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Transcript of TT_April2021_DIGITAL.pdf - Think Water
THINK TANKNEWS FOR THINK WATER MEMBERS amp PARTNERS
APRIL 2021
daveywatercom
Whether yoursquore enjoying a shower after a long day doing your laundry and watering your garden all at the same time you need reliable constant water pressure Pre-assembled as a daisy chain DynaDrive can now handle double the demand with double the flow rate Perfect pressure when you need it Talk to your local Davey Dealer today to find out more
NOW AVAILABLE as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps Unit pictured is for illustration purposes only
Actual installation may vary
Protecting and enhancing peoplersquos lives with water Since 1934
Simple control Perfect pressureDavey DynaDriveConstant Pressure System
ENERGY EFFICIENT
SET amp FORGET
QUIET OPERATION
INDUSTRIAL QUALITY
2020 was a year we will all remember and talk about with the coming generations for all sorts of reasons
While the rapid changes technology has forced change upon us for most of our lives we have never experienced the acceleration of the digital world like 2020 the year Covid19 hit In a year where shops shut entire businesses worked from home and the ability to travel freely disappeared even the most technologically challenged were forced into the digital world
The Think Water family already well entrenched in the digital world accelerated our use in 2020 With travel restricted the national support office switched our Preferred Supplier and Member operational meetings to video meetings using Microsoft Teams and Zoom becoming the new way to communicate
Online meetings have increased our efficiencies and given us the format for our most successful Annual General Meeting with 24 attendees and a list of resolutions passed that strengthen our unique MemberndashShareholder ownership structure
We continued our digital development releasing new Think Water New Zealand and Australia websites and personalised microsites for each Think Water Member
The new microsites work in conjunction with individual Google my Business and social media profiles to ensure the Think Water digital footprint continues to grow
In 2021 we are continuing our digital investment with increased search engine optimisation and improvements to the educational content on our national websites and microsites
With goals for our digital footprint set we now have the digital analytics to work with each Think Water Member and ensure their presence in the digital world is growing and is utilised as effectively as possible
So while 2020 was the year that forced plenty of change into our business world it was also the year that proved Think Water is prepared for the changes that lie ahead This issue of Think Tank focusrsquos on working in a digital world We hope you enjoy the read
Tony France General Manager
THINK TANK is a Publication of Think Water National Support Office
Contributors Tony France Liesle Corns Aimee Hewson Natalie Kingcott Robyn Anderson Andrew Walker Chris Rehm and Phil Best
YOUR
LOC
AL WATER EXPER
TS
ContentsLetrsquos get digital 4
Save the date 6
Success for the Think Water Academy 8
Welcome to the family 10
Gold in data 12
A holistic training solution 13
Upgrading to increase effeciency within our business 14
Why is it important to have a good organisational structure 15
Five steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business 16
Welcome to the team Mark Allan 18
Could this be the update your business needs 19
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing 21
Who we are is how we work 22
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings 23
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair 24
The all-in-one rainwater filtration solution 25
Crusader Hose commits to the irrigation industry 26
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as daisy chain27
Brand evolution 28
Worldrsquos first insect resistant drip tape 29
Tempustm DC kits30
All the right parts in one great value bundle 30
Time and money saving valve solutions 31
Pattern approved water meters 32
Six reasons to install a solar pumping system 33
Dripper comparison 34
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality 35
Dust control in agriculture 36
3April 2021 | THINK TANK
OPPORTUNITY
CLOUDCOMPUTING
INTERNET
TECHNOLOGY
INTEGRATION
DIGITALSERVICES
Letrsquos get digital
App and software solutions to increase productivity in your business
Device Tablet Mobile
Cost Starts at $3 per user per month Free seven day trial
What it does Deputy is a mobile app that gives you the ability to manage employee rosters recordtrack time and swap shifts Integrates with many accounting software platforms
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost Starts at $60 per month
What it does NearMap is cloud based software that provides high-resolution up-to-date scaleable aeiral photos Integrates with many GIS and CAD software platforms AU and NZ maps available
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost From $690 per user per month with an Office 365 subscription Free limited version available
What it does Microsoft Teams is a cross device communication platform that facilitates instant messaging and phonevideo calls Integrates with all Microsoft programs and has many productivity plugins
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost From $16499 per user per year Free limited version available
What it does Canva is an online graphic design and video editing platform for creating social media and marketing collateral Facilitates social media posting
Microsoft Teams
In todayrsquos modern world change is a daily occurrence and requires a lot of energy and attention to keep up with However this is a struggle that we all have in common So how do we approach this daily task and how do we gauge the impact of not keeping up with the Joneses
Digital transformation is about the integration of technology in all aspects of your business by introducing new processes that ease your workload automate systems provide better customer satisfaction increase productivity and efficiency and the overall result of higher value for your customers
Donrsquot be alarmed about change in this area do your research work with your team and Think Water to achieve success together At Think Water you are part of a network who share experiences and ideas which means NSO or a fellow Member will have a solution to your problem
Following are six ideas to assist with preparation for your digital transformation journey
1 Check your current processes
Audit your processes to work out what areas can be improved or automated There really isnrsquot any point in fixing something that isnrsquot broken but you may discover that a simple tweak can make the process more efficient
2 Shop around
When it comes to software there are usually many programs that are similar and do the same task You may find one does one thing and another does something that suits your busines better A good example of this is project management software there are many different programs such as Mondaycom Trello Teamwork and Microsoft Project
3 Talk to your peers and staff
They may have come across a similiar issue and implemented a solution to solve it already This will save you a lot of ground work and you might have an inside support person
4 Do your research
Cutting edge is bleeding edge so it is essential that you do the research and understand the impact of the digital upgrade before implementing it Also utilise software packages that integrate with other systems easily that way your work flow wonrsquot be interrupted
5 Match the process to your hardware
Understand that upgrading software and implementing digital solutions can put additional strain on current hardware You may find that you need to upgrade computers and devices to make the most out of new software and this can be a costly task
6 Plan your changes
Choose your time wisely it really isnrsquot a good idea to implement a complete new software package or process during they busiest time of the year Also when you plan the change you can notify all staff and get everyone on board before you start which will help to keep things running smoothly
4 THINK TANK | April 2021
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost Free
What it does IrriSAT is an online weather based irrigation scheduling service which is used to inform farmers how much water their crop has used and how much irrigation they need to apply
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost Starts at $20 per month
What it does Loopy Loyalty is an online platform that allows you to create a loyalty program for your customers The system is easy to use and can be custom branded to your business
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost From $15 per user per month Free limited version available
What it does Grammarly is a software plugin that highlights spelling and grammar mistakes when installed on your device Intergrates with word processing and email software on all devices
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost From $1250 per user per month Free limited version available
What it does Trello is a cloud based project management tool that allows you to assign jobs track progress automate and more It can be accessed on any device and integrates with many other software including Microsoft Teams
IrriSAT
Now that you have a few ideas to get started letrsquos look at some areas that can be improved by digital transformation
Sales Wouldnrsquot it be great to have software that kept track of your stock levels talked to your accountant and was controllable from one place Well take the time to check out H2GO the sales software custom designed for Think Water businesses itrsquos a great place to start when digitising your business
H2GO is continually developed and evolved for Think Water Members you can read more about it on page 19
Human ResourcesHow do you keep track of your staff and their details How do you handle policies Why not talk to NSO about an online HR platform that integrates with your accounting software and keeps you updated on the latest legislation while keeping track of your staff details
CommunicationCommunication is the key to all relationships whether itrsquos your team or your customers getting it right is essential How are your internal phone systems looking Is there a contact point for every staff member How do your customers reach you Do you have message bank or an answering service How do customers contact you after hours
There are a number of software platforms that offer a solution for communication such as WhatsApp Teams Slack and Skype Improving communication within your team will have a positive impact on your customers At NSO we use Microsoft Teams as a communication tool why not have a chat with us to see how it improves our work flow
Transport TrackingHow do you keep track of the vehicles within your business Do you still use the good old log book in the glove box Paper records are a simple way to manage things but they can get lost very easily Take a look at vehicle tracking software that uses GPS to provide accurate details on when and where your vehicles are These can be as simple as a GPS device in the vehicle or an app on a mobile phone
MarketingPreviously marketing was limited to press adverts billboards radio television direct mail or signage These days digital marketing enables us to get our brand in front of more customers more often and sometimes at a cheaper price
There are many cloud based apps to assist with digital artwork including Canva and Adobe Spark You can also use tools like MailChimp to send electronic mail and Google Analytics to track customer actions
Talk to the Marketing Coordinator at NSO for assistance with digitising your marketing
Customer Relations With so many customer requests on the go at any given time it can be a real challenge to keep up with what is happening By using a Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) you and your team can easily be across all customers comings and goings
There are hundreds of CRM packages on the market including HubSpot Zoho Pipedrive Salesforce and more We recommend choosing one that integrates with existing software
Stationery ExpensesPens paper receipt books and printer inktoner all cost money Imagine the savings from running a paper free office Not to mention the benefits for the environment By using devices and software such as iPads and digital forms you can reduce the environmental footprint of your business and the cost of consumables
So now you have some great ideas and tips on how you can start the digital transformation of your business Take your time plan your journey and remember there isnrsquot any need to reinvent the wheel talk to the team at NSO to discover the best tool for your challenge
5April 2021 | THINK TANK
With travel restrictions still somewhat uncertain between Australia and New Zealand we are working on a plan to ensure this yearsrsquo conference will be going ahead
Please save the following dates in your calendar to avoid missing out
Further information and agenda will be released to all Members and Preferred Suppliers after 1 June 2021
Cairns Australia
5 to 8 August 2021
Queenstown New Zealand
29 July 2021 to 1 August 2021
2021 Think Water Conference
SAVE THE DATE
Custom Designed ERP Software Allowing
you to Regain Control of Your Business
Click here or talk to your Operations Manager for more information
6 THINK TANK | April 2021
LINE
0800 353 966 | wwwaquaspecconzOur range of manual disc filtration with the patentedAZUD HELIX guarantees maximum filtration safety
OPTIMISES
FILTRATION
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABLE RECYCLABLE AND STYLISH
Phone 027 328 5191 wwwdesignertanksconz
RAIN WATER COLLECTION TANKS
Choose from a wide variety ofbull TANKSbull DOWNPIPE DIVERTERSbull TAPS amp ACCESSORIES
The Choice Is Clear
PUMPS FILTERS CHLORINATORS LIGHTS AUTOMATION CHEMICALSCLEANERS
wwwhydroflowconzordershydroflowconz
For more information on this product visit hydroflowconz or scan the qr code
The TankBuddy draws clean water from the top of the tank reducing the risk of drawing contimated water
APEX TANK BUDDYFloating Tank Inlet
1800 281 282 | wwwmatelecaustral iacomau
COMPLETEPUMP amp MOTORCONTROL SOLUTIONSCONCEPT gt DESIGN gt MANUFACTURE gt APPLICATION READY
The Think Water Academy is back After eighteen months of planning and locking in dates then cancelling or changing them due to travel restrictions and snap lock downs we eventually got the Academy up and running with it kicking off in early March 2021
This years Think Water Academy had a total of 13 students enrolled from various stores throughout Australia and New Zealand and two students from New Zealand Preferred Supplier Hydroflow
We are also excited to announce that eight of these students have signed up to complete the newly released full Certificate III in Irrigation Technology (AHC32419) Trade
There are many good reasons for providing training to our Members and their teams they including
bull Improved employee performance
bull addressing weaknesses and turning them into strengths
bull increased productivity and
bull reduced employee turnover
The new Think Water Academy has been specifically tailored to our Members business needs and has relevance back to the Certificate III competencies The Academy training includes a specific focus on key areas such as water treatment soil analysis and types irrigation design pumps and hydraulics
Enrolling in the full Certificate III will give students training in areas such as electrofusion and butt welding travelling irrigators mains water connection for irrigation and electrical connectdisconnect
Why the changeThere has been a major ldquoshiftrdquo away from the ldquosupplierrdquo training format to the new competency based format This was driven by the introduction of the new Certificate III trade the registered training organisation the Irrigation Association of Australia and the needs of our Members
The old format although it was full of great content and trainers it did not really provide our Members or the trainees with anything concrete to hang their hats on Yes they
learnt but what formal qualifications did they gain The new format contains certified modules that go towards gaining federally recognised competencies in key areas of our industry and markets Ultimately the NSO and our Members agreed that there is no point or value investing a large amount of funds into non-competency-based training
We all know that the industry is aging throughout Australia and New Zealand and how hard it is attracting and retaining good people Now is the time to encourage our people to stay in the industry and develop into the next generation of Think Water business owners
In support of this evolution we recognise the need to have a solid foundation in place for our training solutions that covers the NSO and our Members
For more information about the Academy contact Chris directly or check out the training section of the Members Portal
Success for the Think Water Academy
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
infomaitcomauPh 1300 739 920
Weather station
Valve control amp soil monitoring
Pump monitoring amp control
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR WATER WITH iNTELLiTROLreg
Valve control amp soil monitoring
8 THINK TANK | April 2021
THE BEST HOMES ARE GRUNDFOS HOMES
NEW HOME amp GARDEN RANGE BROCHURE
Our NEW Home amp Garden Range brochure contains sizing and
selection information about our full range of domestic water supply
wastewater amp drainage and hot water amp heating products
NEW HOME amp GARDEN A4 FLYERS
bull Inverter technology delivers perfect pressure to all taps
bull Suitable for pumping from water sources above and below
the level of the pump including from below ground tanks
bull Intelligent controller allows for pressure adjustment at the
touch of a button
bull Very quiet operation that wonrsquot disturb your
family or neighbours
bull Tough weather resistant outer casing houses the pump
motor and the controller
bull Easy installation ndash plug amp pump ndash Simply connect to the
pipework prime the pump plug into a power outlet and
yoursquore ready to pump
SCALA22
YEARWARRANTY
ALL-IN-ONE SELF-PRIMING BOOSTER
WITH INVERTER TECHNOLOGY
DRY-RUN PROTECTION
The pump will be stopped if no
water is detected at the inlet
preventing internal damage
and protecting your motor
from damage
ANTI-CYCLING
PROTECTION
The pump will be stopped and
alarm activated if it repeatedly
turns on and off over a short
period of time (called lsquocyclingrsquo)
which could indicate a leaking
pipe or dripping tap
AUTO STARTSTOP
The pump will automatically
start and stop when outlets
(eg taps) are turned on or off
GRUNDFOS EYE
Provides dynamic pump status
operator feedback such as
power on pump running and
any alarms or faults
PUMP CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
Above
Pump Level
Below
Pump Level
Mains
Water
Household
WaterIrrigation
Mains
Boosting
WATER SOURCEAPPLICATION
47 dB Max LOW NOISE
Subject to local legislation
bull Includes float switch for automatic operation
and dry run protection
bull Virtually silent submerged operation that
wonrsquot that wonrsquot disturb your family or
neighbours
bull Easy submerged installation ndash plug amp pump
Connect to the pipework plug into a power
outlet and yoursquore ready to pump
bull Suitable for submerged pumping from
water sources above or below ground level
SB2
YEARWARRANTY
SUBMERSIBLE BOOSTER
PUMP CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
WATER SOURCE APPLICATION
25 dB Max LOW NOISE
Household Water
Irrigation
Above Pump Level
Below Pump Level
SB-A with float switch
SB-AW with floating suction strainer and float switch
FLOAT SWITCH
External float that
turns your pump
on or off based
on the water level
- this prevents dry-running
CURRENT OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The single phase motor
will stop automatically if
a current overload event
occurs and will restart
once normal current is
restored - protecting
your motor from damage
THERMAL OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The single phase motor
will stop automatically
if it overheats and will
restart once it cools
down - protecting your
motor from damage
bull Able to pump down to just 3 mm of water making it perfect for emptying pools ponds wells or tanks
bull Suitable for fully or partially submerged use
bull High quality composite and stainless steel construction
bull Suitable for permanent installation or as a light weight portable pump
UNILIFT CC 2 YEAR
WARRANTY
SUBMERSIBLE DRAINAGE PUMP
CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
APPLICATIONWATER SOURCE
Clean Water Drainage
StormGrey Water HandlingClean Water Storm
Grey Water
FLOAT SWITCHExternal float that either turns your pump on or off based on the water level - this prevents overflowing and dry-running
SELF-COOLING MOTORThe pump is cooled by water being pumped protecting it
from overheating even when only partially submerged
MAXIMUM PARTICLE SIZE
Itrsquos a good idea to check your water source to make sure it doesnrsquot contain dirt fibres plant or other material larger than 10 mm If it does you might need a drainage pump capable of handling larger particle sizes like the onersquos below
10 mm
AP 1212
mm
AP 35 amp AP 35B35 mm
AP 50 amp AP 50B50 mm
bull Increased hot water pressure for a single outlet
bull Hygienic stainless steel construction throughout
bull Built-in controller so no extra wiring required keeping installation costs low
bull Ultra quiet operation that wonrsquot disturb your family
bull Option of automatic or manual operation
UPA N2 YEARWARRANTY
HOT WATER PRESSURE BOOSTERWATER SOURCE
APPLICATION
Hot Water
FIND SPACE FOR YOUR PUMPThe UPA N range has been designed to fit into confined spaces
See below the space required for installation
Mains Boosting
Model Pipe Connections Dimensions (mm)
A (Port to Port) B (h) C (w1) D (w2) E (d1) F (d2)
UPA N 15-9034rdquo
214160
5054
10323
AB
C DEF
Introducing our NEW A4 Product Flyers for each product
within our home and garden range These flyers focus on equipping the consumer with what they
need-to-know about a pump range
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ONLINE VERSION CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CM BOOSTER SELF-PRIMING FLYER
For more information about our new range of materials email marketing-augrundfoscom
The future in remote monitoring Yabby Sensors are an Australian-owned company specialising in technology supported complete water management solutions Their remote monitoring solutions provide data for asset tracking environmental monitoring irrigation control and level sensors for the agricultural and resource market sectors
Australian Made for the Australian Climate MATelec has more than 45 years of experience manufacturing pumpmotor control products and electrical accessories Their product range is vast and includes pump controllers motor controllers circulation controllers soft starters power distribution boards level alarms electrical accessories and more
High quality portable powered products Crommelins Machinery offers consistent strong and high-quality service and product support Their product range includes generators compacting and concreting tools cutting and drilling tools pressure cleaners pumps flooring tools ground care tools air equipment engines and general trade tools
Welcome to the familyThink Water Members benefit from partnerships with several industry-leading manufacturers and distributors
These companies are our Preferred Suppliers and we consider them as part of our family We promote innovation and sustainability within the industry and value suppliers with extensive technical expertise good logistical
and local support and top-quality products
We are advocates for our Preferred Suppliers and love what they do We are excited to welcome these companies to the Think Water Family and look forward to promoting excellence with them
Scan to contact Steve Dudgeon
Managing Director AU
Scan to Contact Bruce Pederick
State Manager AU
Scan to Contact Chloe Barrott
Marketing Manager NZ
Scan to Contact Steve Swingler
Account Manager AU
The designer water storage solution As the name suggests Designer Tanks offer a broad range of stylish above ground rainwater tanks that will present as a stylish feature in your garden These tanks are made from 100 recycled polyethylene and range in sizes from 300L to 1600L Accessories and connection kits also available
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
10 THINK TANK | April 2021
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
Buried in your business system is a large amount of information about your customers Not only is this information useful to better understand when and how much your customers buy from you but also their potential share of wallet and collectively your market share within your main service area
Once you extract this information and do some basic analysis it can give you some great insights into your customers
bull Identify new customers and then workout how effective your marketing spend is
bull Compare how existing customers are purchasing year on year
bull Identify key markets you operate in- intuitively you know this-
however there may also be other markets yoursquore missing out on that may not be obvious
bull Compare your data with external data (ABS and other data sources) to work out market share
This information is also valuable to guide you on strategic decisions such as marketing spend target markets and opening up new opportunities such as new product lines
How do I extract this informationThe simplest way to do this is to export top line sales history by customer for each year into an Excel spreadsheet Most systems export as a CSV file ndash which is easily handled in Excel
Once this data is downloaded it can then be cleaned up and sorted ndash if this is a step too far then we can assist
Once the data is cleaned you can then allocate a market segment to each customer such as horticulture broadacre cashpos local government schools residential cattle sheep dairy lifestyle basically what ever fits your business and location
To then do further work on the data councils ABS Stats NZ or other sources will have localised information on farm enterprise numbers this can give you a good picture of your local area
Gold in dataHow analysing your sales data from previous years can tell you about your customers and business
Phil Best Operations Manager AU
COMPLETE WATER SOLUTIONS ENHANCED BY TECHNOLOGY
Low powered and cost remote monitoring and control
wwwtheyabbycomau
12 THINK TANK | April 2021
Here at Think Water we aim to ensure all employees are given access to gaining essential skills that are required in the workplace Employers will find that allowing employees to access training results in increased performance and engagement from the team It will also lead to improved employee retention in the business This is why the National Support Office always aims to provide excellent training solutions for our Members and their teams
Think Waterrsquos Digital Hub provides all this and more It is a digital online learning platform that is fully subsidised by the NSO The Hub gets updated monthly with hundreds of new training videos which ensures new and exciting content each year
Our aim for 2021 is to provide courses that are relevant effective and inspiring to ensure users stay engaged We carefully select our training options by finding engaging interactive and useful resources for our Members
This year users will see great topics around personal growth and workplace skills along with our yearly compliance courses around workplace behaviour business interaction and health and safety
The platform host is also introducing a lot of great new tools focused on self-help and mindfulness This provides options for users to access books and mindfulness tools that may be useful in work and outside of work This is forming a holistic training solution for Think Water Members and their teams
Some great new training courses that have recently been added to the Hub include the following
bull Managing Stress and Building Resilience
bull Emerging Leader Award
bull Effective Communication and Sales Skills
bull Successful Project Management
Scan the QR code to access the Digital Hub If you need an account created please email Aimee directly
A holistic training solution
Easy LokTough jobs made easyJoin large bore metric pipe fast and reliably every time
PHI0910-0321
PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1 26221 332 pm26221 332 pm
Aimee Hewson Business Support (AU amp NZ) amp HR Trainee
Think Water Northern Rivers
In recent months Think Water Northern Rivers have undertaken the implementation of numerous software programs and hardware upgrades to increase effeciency within the business
Software introduced includes H2Go Microsoft Teams Microsoft Project Windows 10 PipeDrive AutoCAD Erica IrriCAD Mondaycom and Microsoft Visio
By implementing the collaborative online sharing communication platform Microsoft Teams for both staff and contractors the Team has since noticed tremendous improvements in effective communication Email has become less clogged with ldquoconversationsrdquo and more informative Each department has easy access to relevant information allowing them to communicate with each other external suppliers and customers with ease
A new file structure procedure has been introduced allowing all files to be stored and saved in a sensical fashion This new structure prompts data collection for jobs that may have been missed previously version control documents and synchronises how information is saved
As part of the project all computer hardware has been upgraded which was quite a staggering cost for the business but has been balanced out with less need for external IT
assistance Due to all staff using Windows 10 our workflow is more effecient troubleshooting is easier and can be performed inhouse therefore saving money This business manoeuvre has allowed the company to make the first step in migrating towards a cloud-based network the programs are running smoother processes faster and the maintenance is now less
Microsoft Project has been introduced to assist in developing schedules assigning resources to tasks tracking progress managing the budget and analysing workloads It is currently being used by the Team for the design process and workflow and will eventually include installation timelines as well
lsquoMondaycomrsquo has been inplemented to assist with outlining the progress of each stage of the project (design quote and installation) Although the Team comments that Microsoft Project is the most successful project planning platform they have used so far
H2Go (Ostendo) was one of the first software packages to be introduced and is the core of our business H2Go is designed to assist staff in focusing on the range of operational activities that generate revenue and profits within the business while giving your accounting software system something to account for The Team has mentioned lsquoit has been a challenge to adapt to the system but is proving to be far more capable than
expectedrdquo H2Go links well with Xero our accounting software and Tyro our EFTPOS terminal
PipeDrive a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform has been inplemented to track the progress of quotes to sales customer communication and gauge the amount of work coming up to plan installations PipeDrive is also useful for measuring sales performance and assisting with cashflow predictions You can access this software remotely and itrsquos known to be reasonably user-friendly while costing about $124month in subscription fees
AutoCAD Erica and IrriCAD have been introduced to assist with drawing irrigation system designs and installation plans These programs both link with Microsoft Teams for data sharing
Implementing Microsoft Visio has given us the ability to draw and document flow charts for customers and installation technicians It is important to note that the program needs to be set up properly to be successful within the work flow Microsoft Visio is a cloud-based program costing $950 which makes it easier to work collaboratively between office and offsite staff
Although the digital upgrade project has been costly at times and a steep learning curve Lee Rothwell is happy with the result and reports a successful implementation and many improvements within the business from all aspects
Upgrading to increase efficiency within our business
14 THINK TANK | April 2021
Businesses require structure to grow and be profitable Planning the structure of your business ensures there are enough resources to meet the companyrsquos goals and each employee understands the reporting hireachy
This article outlines some key points to consider when conducting your organisational structure review
Job Descriptions and Optimising EmployeesRegardless of the kind of structure an organisation uses itrsquos critical to clearly identify job descriptions so that employees are aware of what is expected of them In addition the structure may identify weak spots or deficiencies in the companyrsquos current management team
CommunicationGood structure allows for better communication Since the flow of information is essential to an organisationrsquos success the structure should be designed with clear lines of communication in mind
Clear Reporting Relationships
Employees need a clear understanding of who they are accountable to Otherwise responsibility for a task may fall through the cracks wersquove all seen that before Each employee benefits by knowing whom they can turn to for direction or help
Establishing and Attaining ObjectivesThe design of an organisation structure should be in line with achieving company goals The business should be structured to enable the employees to help the company reach its targets most effectively
Growth and ExpansionCompanies that grow rapidly are those that typically make the best use of their resources A sound organisation structure ensures that the company has the right people in the right positions A well-designed organisation structure facilitates the completion of all projects Completing projects successfully leads to business growth
Remaining Stable Yet Flexible to Promote Growth
An organisationrsquos structure needs to provide a stable work environment for employees If a company undertakes several organisational changes in a short period of time employees may feel nervous about their position in the company and may be distracted from their day-to-day tasks leading to a loss of productivity
However itrsquos essential that an organisation is flexible to adapt to changes that are out of its control For example key individuals within the company can leave and economic or environmental factors can affect the profitability of the business A well structured business will be nimble and shift organisationally to accommodate these challenges
If you would like assistance with the structure of your business please contact Chris or your Operations Manager directly to discuss
Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
A A P I N D U S T R I E S C O M A U
ENGINEERING
PLUMBING
IRRIGATION
FIRE PROTECTION
MINING
OIL amp GAS
15April 2021 | THINK TANK
Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
Team members whoserve as mentors
also report greaterjob satisfaction
and greater career success
Mentoring programs have a positive
track record for enhancing the effectiveness of a teamrsquos success
said they would stay at a company longer if they were offered
opportunities to learn and grow
of team members
94
mentoring had a positive impact on their profits
of businessesbelieve
55
an increase in productivity due
to mentoring
of businessesreported
67
Andrew Walker Operations Manager NZ
5Mentorship is a relationship between two people where the individual with more experience knowledge and connections can pass along what they have learned to a more junior team member within your business Keep in mind though the mentor and the mentee do not necessarily need to be in the same business for the mentorship to be successful
1 Define the programrsquos goalTo get started you need to define the parameters of your program and what you want to achieve from it These should typically be designed to nurture talent and improve performance provide benefit to the company and enhance personal growth This should also be focused on where the business will benefit most
2 Outline the process in the workplace
Well-organised programs offer structure and support to maximise the value to both the team and the business Each program will be different so itrsquos important to provide quick simple points to outline
a) How the program can be accessed
b) Who can be a mentor (what level of experience or qualifications are required)
c) The duration of the mentorship
d) The format One-to-one or group setting
e) How will the programrsquos success be tracked and measured
In the case of a franchise business such as Think Water the use of modern technology auch as lsquoMicrosoft Teamsrsquo (and the like) is a very cost-effective group communication platform
3 Select program participantsMentoring thrives on diversity If you want your program to be successful it needs a diverse set of mentors and mentees to share thoughts ideas and experiences By doing so both parties can identify strengths and weaknesses and how they can work together to improve
4 Match mentors and menteesThe strengths and weaknesses of a mentee should be complimented and balanced by those of a mentor To enable an inspiring experience itrsquos important to be mindful of who yoursquore pairing and why Mentees should be matched based on several criteria for instance
a) Diverse yet complementary interests
b) Compatible personality
c) Age group similarities
d) Experience skills and ideas that meet the menteersquos future career goals
5 Provide trainingBefore during and after the program you should provide mentors with ongoing training and development to help them support their mentees Mentors must also learn how to balance their own expectations and the company objectives
The main goal of a mentorship initiative is to prepare your team members with the necessary tools for success Having a structured and organised program will allow goal-oriented team members to further develop their skills The best part is yoursquore able to utilise the resources and connections your company already has
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
16 THINK TANK | April 2021
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
17April 2021 | THINK TANK
Think Water Hawkes Bay
We are pleased to announce the new General Manager of Think Water Hawkes Bay Mark Allan
Walking into this position in October of 2020 Mark claims to have no formal qualifications or irrigation experience and due to the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience already within the team he wonrsquot need it
Throughout his career Mark has had an assortment of management roles including an 18 year span at Toll where he managed a business unit that was awarded lsquoBranch of the Yearrsquo for nine years straight and achieved the best EBIT as a percentage of revenue for 14+ years
From his first day on the job Mark said that team have been outstanding Everyone is so honest and open enabling him to develop a high-level view of where the business is currently positioned He highlights
the undoubting commitment and trust shown by owners Mark Tremain and Anthony Waites in handing their business over to him He says he doesnrsquot underestimate the difficulty the change would be after years of making decisions themselves but appreciates it nonetheless
Mark Tremain mentioned ldquoI am expecting Mark will bring in processes and organisation to our business to assist with looking after the areas that are often forgotten about but in fact are the most importantrdquo
ldquoI have attempted to not change the world overnight as I am a realist around understanding the business firstrdquo said Mark
While in his newly appointed position of General Manager he intends to be solely focused on ldquoworking on the businessrdquo Mark mentions the team has made great progress with a newly established OHampS committee and
weekly operational meetings such as a Monday morning tool-box meeting
With future plans in place to implement procedures such as a CRM and other IT systems that will enable more streamlined processes and efficient workflows The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities which will hopefully result in the elimination of the lsquoJack of all trades master of nonersquo syndrome
Mark also states his intention to review HR with a key focus on staff performance management and setting target objectives to better develop his team and ultimately benefit the business
Another goal of his is to begin aligning both of the Hawkes Bay retail stores to give a consistency of outcome for customers Mark plans to utilise current trade data historical activity and customer feedback from both stores to provide a gold mine of information to review and learn from
bull Fully galvanised wallsbull Quality Polytoughreg liner
bull Heavy duty galvanised trussesbull Built to Australian building codes
1800 008 888 w w w b u s h m a n t a n k s c o m a u
Not just another cable company
Call or email for further information07 3856 6182 | technicalpowerflexcablescomau
Pump Control ndash Alternating or Parallel Alternated control of two pumps (or other devices)
Pump Control amp Level Monitoring 10 different functions in one very compact device
Welcome to the team Mark Allan
ldquoTo achieve our goals we will be engaging with the team to explain lsquowhyrsquo something needs to change
not just that it is lsquochangingrsquordquo
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
18 THINK TANK | April 2021
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
daveywatercom
Whether yoursquore enjoying a shower after a long day doing your laundry and watering your garden all at the same time you need reliable constant water pressure Pre-assembled as a daisy chain DynaDrive can now handle double the demand with double the flow rate Perfect pressure when you need it Talk to your local Davey Dealer today to find out more
NOW AVAILABLE as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps Unit pictured is for illustration purposes only
Actual installation may vary
Protecting and enhancing peoplersquos lives with water Since 1934
Simple control Perfect pressureDavey DynaDriveConstant Pressure System
ENERGY EFFICIENT
SET amp FORGET
QUIET OPERATION
INDUSTRIAL QUALITY
2020 was a year we will all remember and talk about with the coming generations for all sorts of reasons
While the rapid changes technology has forced change upon us for most of our lives we have never experienced the acceleration of the digital world like 2020 the year Covid19 hit In a year where shops shut entire businesses worked from home and the ability to travel freely disappeared even the most technologically challenged were forced into the digital world
The Think Water family already well entrenched in the digital world accelerated our use in 2020 With travel restricted the national support office switched our Preferred Supplier and Member operational meetings to video meetings using Microsoft Teams and Zoom becoming the new way to communicate
Online meetings have increased our efficiencies and given us the format for our most successful Annual General Meeting with 24 attendees and a list of resolutions passed that strengthen our unique MemberndashShareholder ownership structure
We continued our digital development releasing new Think Water New Zealand and Australia websites and personalised microsites for each Think Water Member
The new microsites work in conjunction with individual Google my Business and social media profiles to ensure the Think Water digital footprint continues to grow
In 2021 we are continuing our digital investment with increased search engine optimisation and improvements to the educational content on our national websites and microsites
With goals for our digital footprint set we now have the digital analytics to work with each Think Water Member and ensure their presence in the digital world is growing and is utilised as effectively as possible
So while 2020 was the year that forced plenty of change into our business world it was also the year that proved Think Water is prepared for the changes that lie ahead This issue of Think Tank focusrsquos on working in a digital world We hope you enjoy the read
Tony France General Manager
THINK TANK is a Publication of Think Water National Support Office
Contributors Tony France Liesle Corns Aimee Hewson Natalie Kingcott Robyn Anderson Andrew Walker Chris Rehm and Phil Best
YOUR
LOC
AL WATER EXPER
TS
ContentsLetrsquos get digital 4
Save the date 6
Success for the Think Water Academy 8
Welcome to the family 10
Gold in data 12
A holistic training solution 13
Upgrading to increase effeciency within our business 14
Why is it important to have a good organisational structure 15
Five steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business 16
Welcome to the team Mark Allan 18
Could this be the update your business needs 19
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing 21
Who we are is how we work 22
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings 23
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair 24
The all-in-one rainwater filtration solution 25
Crusader Hose commits to the irrigation industry 26
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as daisy chain27
Brand evolution 28
Worldrsquos first insect resistant drip tape 29
Tempustm DC kits30
All the right parts in one great value bundle 30
Time and money saving valve solutions 31
Pattern approved water meters 32
Six reasons to install a solar pumping system 33
Dripper comparison 34
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality 35
Dust control in agriculture 36
3April 2021 | THINK TANK
OPPORTUNITY
CLOUDCOMPUTING
INTERNET
TECHNOLOGY
INTEGRATION
DIGITALSERVICES
Letrsquos get digital
App and software solutions to increase productivity in your business
Device Tablet Mobile
Cost Starts at $3 per user per month Free seven day trial
What it does Deputy is a mobile app that gives you the ability to manage employee rosters recordtrack time and swap shifts Integrates with many accounting software platforms
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost Starts at $60 per month
What it does NearMap is cloud based software that provides high-resolution up-to-date scaleable aeiral photos Integrates with many GIS and CAD software platforms AU and NZ maps available
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost From $690 per user per month with an Office 365 subscription Free limited version available
What it does Microsoft Teams is a cross device communication platform that facilitates instant messaging and phonevideo calls Integrates with all Microsoft programs and has many productivity plugins
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost From $16499 per user per year Free limited version available
What it does Canva is an online graphic design and video editing platform for creating social media and marketing collateral Facilitates social media posting
Microsoft Teams
In todayrsquos modern world change is a daily occurrence and requires a lot of energy and attention to keep up with However this is a struggle that we all have in common So how do we approach this daily task and how do we gauge the impact of not keeping up with the Joneses
Digital transformation is about the integration of technology in all aspects of your business by introducing new processes that ease your workload automate systems provide better customer satisfaction increase productivity and efficiency and the overall result of higher value for your customers
Donrsquot be alarmed about change in this area do your research work with your team and Think Water to achieve success together At Think Water you are part of a network who share experiences and ideas which means NSO or a fellow Member will have a solution to your problem
Following are six ideas to assist with preparation for your digital transformation journey
1 Check your current processes
Audit your processes to work out what areas can be improved or automated There really isnrsquot any point in fixing something that isnrsquot broken but you may discover that a simple tweak can make the process more efficient
2 Shop around
When it comes to software there are usually many programs that are similar and do the same task You may find one does one thing and another does something that suits your busines better A good example of this is project management software there are many different programs such as Mondaycom Trello Teamwork and Microsoft Project
3 Talk to your peers and staff
They may have come across a similiar issue and implemented a solution to solve it already This will save you a lot of ground work and you might have an inside support person
4 Do your research
Cutting edge is bleeding edge so it is essential that you do the research and understand the impact of the digital upgrade before implementing it Also utilise software packages that integrate with other systems easily that way your work flow wonrsquot be interrupted
5 Match the process to your hardware
Understand that upgrading software and implementing digital solutions can put additional strain on current hardware You may find that you need to upgrade computers and devices to make the most out of new software and this can be a costly task
6 Plan your changes
Choose your time wisely it really isnrsquot a good idea to implement a complete new software package or process during they busiest time of the year Also when you plan the change you can notify all staff and get everyone on board before you start which will help to keep things running smoothly
4 THINK TANK | April 2021
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost Free
What it does IrriSAT is an online weather based irrigation scheduling service which is used to inform farmers how much water their crop has used and how much irrigation they need to apply
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost Starts at $20 per month
What it does Loopy Loyalty is an online platform that allows you to create a loyalty program for your customers The system is easy to use and can be custom branded to your business
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost From $15 per user per month Free limited version available
What it does Grammarly is a software plugin that highlights spelling and grammar mistakes when installed on your device Intergrates with word processing and email software on all devices
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost From $1250 per user per month Free limited version available
What it does Trello is a cloud based project management tool that allows you to assign jobs track progress automate and more It can be accessed on any device and integrates with many other software including Microsoft Teams
IrriSAT
Now that you have a few ideas to get started letrsquos look at some areas that can be improved by digital transformation
Sales Wouldnrsquot it be great to have software that kept track of your stock levels talked to your accountant and was controllable from one place Well take the time to check out H2GO the sales software custom designed for Think Water businesses itrsquos a great place to start when digitising your business
H2GO is continually developed and evolved for Think Water Members you can read more about it on page 19
Human ResourcesHow do you keep track of your staff and their details How do you handle policies Why not talk to NSO about an online HR platform that integrates with your accounting software and keeps you updated on the latest legislation while keeping track of your staff details
CommunicationCommunication is the key to all relationships whether itrsquos your team or your customers getting it right is essential How are your internal phone systems looking Is there a contact point for every staff member How do your customers reach you Do you have message bank or an answering service How do customers contact you after hours
There are a number of software platforms that offer a solution for communication such as WhatsApp Teams Slack and Skype Improving communication within your team will have a positive impact on your customers At NSO we use Microsoft Teams as a communication tool why not have a chat with us to see how it improves our work flow
Transport TrackingHow do you keep track of the vehicles within your business Do you still use the good old log book in the glove box Paper records are a simple way to manage things but they can get lost very easily Take a look at vehicle tracking software that uses GPS to provide accurate details on when and where your vehicles are These can be as simple as a GPS device in the vehicle or an app on a mobile phone
MarketingPreviously marketing was limited to press adverts billboards radio television direct mail or signage These days digital marketing enables us to get our brand in front of more customers more often and sometimes at a cheaper price
There are many cloud based apps to assist with digital artwork including Canva and Adobe Spark You can also use tools like MailChimp to send electronic mail and Google Analytics to track customer actions
Talk to the Marketing Coordinator at NSO for assistance with digitising your marketing
Customer Relations With so many customer requests on the go at any given time it can be a real challenge to keep up with what is happening By using a Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) you and your team can easily be across all customers comings and goings
There are hundreds of CRM packages on the market including HubSpot Zoho Pipedrive Salesforce and more We recommend choosing one that integrates with existing software
Stationery ExpensesPens paper receipt books and printer inktoner all cost money Imagine the savings from running a paper free office Not to mention the benefits for the environment By using devices and software such as iPads and digital forms you can reduce the environmental footprint of your business and the cost of consumables
So now you have some great ideas and tips on how you can start the digital transformation of your business Take your time plan your journey and remember there isnrsquot any need to reinvent the wheel talk to the team at NSO to discover the best tool for your challenge
5April 2021 | THINK TANK
With travel restrictions still somewhat uncertain between Australia and New Zealand we are working on a plan to ensure this yearsrsquo conference will be going ahead
Please save the following dates in your calendar to avoid missing out
Further information and agenda will be released to all Members and Preferred Suppliers after 1 June 2021
Cairns Australia
5 to 8 August 2021
Queenstown New Zealand
29 July 2021 to 1 August 2021
2021 Think Water Conference
SAVE THE DATE
Custom Designed ERP Software Allowing
you to Regain Control of Your Business
Click here or talk to your Operations Manager for more information
6 THINK TANK | April 2021
LINE
0800 353 966 | wwwaquaspecconzOur range of manual disc filtration with the patentedAZUD HELIX guarantees maximum filtration safety
OPTIMISES
FILTRATION
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABLE RECYCLABLE AND STYLISH
Phone 027 328 5191 wwwdesignertanksconz
RAIN WATER COLLECTION TANKS
Choose from a wide variety ofbull TANKSbull DOWNPIPE DIVERTERSbull TAPS amp ACCESSORIES
The Choice Is Clear
PUMPS FILTERS CHLORINATORS LIGHTS AUTOMATION CHEMICALSCLEANERS
wwwhydroflowconzordershydroflowconz
For more information on this product visit hydroflowconz or scan the qr code
The TankBuddy draws clean water from the top of the tank reducing the risk of drawing contimated water
APEX TANK BUDDYFloating Tank Inlet
1800 281 282 | wwwmatelecaustral iacomau
COMPLETEPUMP amp MOTORCONTROL SOLUTIONSCONCEPT gt DESIGN gt MANUFACTURE gt APPLICATION READY
The Think Water Academy is back After eighteen months of planning and locking in dates then cancelling or changing them due to travel restrictions and snap lock downs we eventually got the Academy up and running with it kicking off in early March 2021
This years Think Water Academy had a total of 13 students enrolled from various stores throughout Australia and New Zealand and two students from New Zealand Preferred Supplier Hydroflow
We are also excited to announce that eight of these students have signed up to complete the newly released full Certificate III in Irrigation Technology (AHC32419) Trade
There are many good reasons for providing training to our Members and their teams they including
bull Improved employee performance
bull addressing weaknesses and turning them into strengths
bull increased productivity and
bull reduced employee turnover
The new Think Water Academy has been specifically tailored to our Members business needs and has relevance back to the Certificate III competencies The Academy training includes a specific focus on key areas such as water treatment soil analysis and types irrigation design pumps and hydraulics
Enrolling in the full Certificate III will give students training in areas such as electrofusion and butt welding travelling irrigators mains water connection for irrigation and electrical connectdisconnect
Why the changeThere has been a major ldquoshiftrdquo away from the ldquosupplierrdquo training format to the new competency based format This was driven by the introduction of the new Certificate III trade the registered training organisation the Irrigation Association of Australia and the needs of our Members
The old format although it was full of great content and trainers it did not really provide our Members or the trainees with anything concrete to hang their hats on Yes they
learnt but what formal qualifications did they gain The new format contains certified modules that go towards gaining federally recognised competencies in key areas of our industry and markets Ultimately the NSO and our Members agreed that there is no point or value investing a large amount of funds into non-competency-based training
We all know that the industry is aging throughout Australia and New Zealand and how hard it is attracting and retaining good people Now is the time to encourage our people to stay in the industry and develop into the next generation of Think Water business owners
In support of this evolution we recognise the need to have a solid foundation in place for our training solutions that covers the NSO and our Members
For more information about the Academy contact Chris directly or check out the training section of the Members Portal
Success for the Think Water Academy
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
infomaitcomauPh 1300 739 920
Weather station
Valve control amp soil monitoring
Pump monitoring amp control
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR WATER WITH iNTELLiTROLreg
Valve control amp soil monitoring
8 THINK TANK | April 2021
THE BEST HOMES ARE GRUNDFOS HOMES
NEW HOME amp GARDEN RANGE BROCHURE
Our NEW Home amp Garden Range brochure contains sizing and
selection information about our full range of domestic water supply
wastewater amp drainage and hot water amp heating products
NEW HOME amp GARDEN A4 FLYERS
bull Inverter technology delivers perfect pressure to all taps
bull Suitable for pumping from water sources above and below
the level of the pump including from below ground tanks
bull Intelligent controller allows for pressure adjustment at the
touch of a button
bull Very quiet operation that wonrsquot disturb your
family or neighbours
bull Tough weather resistant outer casing houses the pump
motor and the controller
bull Easy installation ndash plug amp pump ndash Simply connect to the
pipework prime the pump plug into a power outlet and
yoursquore ready to pump
SCALA22
YEARWARRANTY
ALL-IN-ONE SELF-PRIMING BOOSTER
WITH INVERTER TECHNOLOGY
DRY-RUN PROTECTION
The pump will be stopped if no
water is detected at the inlet
preventing internal damage
and protecting your motor
from damage
ANTI-CYCLING
PROTECTION
The pump will be stopped and
alarm activated if it repeatedly
turns on and off over a short
period of time (called lsquocyclingrsquo)
which could indicate a leaking
pipe or dripping tap
AUTO STARTSTOP
The pump will automatically
start and stop when outlets
(eg taps) are turned on or off
GRUNDFOS EYE
Provides dynamic pump status
operator feedback such as
power on pump running and
any alarms or faults
PUMP CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
Above
Pump Level
Below
Pump Level
Mains
Water
Household
WaterIrrigation
Mains
Boosting
WATER SOURCEAPPLICATION
47 dB Max LOW NOISE
Subject to local legislation
bull Includes float switch for automatic operation
and dry run protection
bull Virtually silent submerged operation that
wonrsquot that wonrsquot disturb your family or
neighbours
bull Easy submerged installation ndash plug amp pump
Connect to the pipework plug into a power
outlet and yoursquore ready to pump
bull Suitable for submerged pumping from
water sources above or below ground level
SB2
YEARWARRANTY
SUBMERSIBLE BOOSTER
PUMP CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
WATER SOURCE APPLICATION
25 dB Max LOW NOISE
Household Water
Irrigation
Above Pump Level
Below Pump Level
SB-A with float switch
SB-AW with floating suction strainer and float switch
FLOAT SWITCH
External float that
turns your pump
on or off based
on the water level
- this prevents dry-running
CURRENT OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The single phase motor
will stop automatically if
a current overload event
occurs and will restart
once normal current is
restored - protecting
your motor from damage
THERMAL OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The single phase motor
will stop automatically
if it overheats and will
restart once it cools
down - protecting your
motor from damage
bull Able to pump down to just 3 mm of water making it perfect for emptying pools ponds wells or tanks
bull Suitable for fully or partially submerged use
bull High quality composite and stainless steel construction
bull Suitable for permanent installation or as a light weight portable pump
UNILIFT CC 2 YEAR
WARRANTY
SUBMERSIBLE DRAINAGE PUMP
CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
APPLICATIONWATER SOURCE
Clean Water Drainage
StormGrey Water HandlingClean Water Storm
Grey Water
FLOAT SWITCHExternal float that either turns your pump on or off based on the water level - this prevents overflowing and dry-running
SELF-COOLING MOTORThe pump is cooled by water being pumped protecting it
from overheating even when only partially submerged
MAXIMUM PARTICLE SIZE
Itrsquos a good idea to check your water source to make sure it doesnrsquot contain dirt fibres plant or other material larger than 10 mm If it does you might need a drainage pump capable of handling larger particle sizes like the onersquos below
10 mm
AP 1212
mm
AP 35 amp AP 35B35 mm
AP 50 amp AP 50B50 mm
bull Increased hot water pressure for a single outlet
bull Hygienic stainless steel construction throughout
bull Built-in controller so no extra wiring required keeping installation costs low
bull Ultra quiet operation that wonrsquot disturb your family
bull Option of automatic or manual operation
UPA N2 YEARWARRANTY
HOT WATER PRESSURE BOOSTERWATER SOURCE
APPLICATION
Hot Water
FIND SPACE FOR YOUR PUMPThe UPA N range has been designed to fit into confined spaces
See below the space required for installation
Mains Boosting
Model Pipe Connections Dimensions (mm)
A (Port to Port) B (h) C (w1) D (w2) E (d1) F (d2)
UPA N 15-9034rdquo
214160
5054
10323
AB
C DEF
Introducing our NEW A4 Product Flyers for each product
within our home and garden range These flyers focus on equipping the consumer with what they
need-to-know about a pump range
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ONLINE VERSION CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CM BOOSTER SELF-PRIMING FLYER
For more information about our new range of materials email marketing-augrundfoscom
The future in remote monitoring Yabby Sensors are an Australian-owned company specialising in technology supported complete water management solutions Their remote monitoring solutions provide data for asset tracking environmental monitoring irrigation control and level sensors for the agricultural and resource market sectors
Australian Made for the Australian Climate MATelec has more than 45 years of experience manufacturing pumpmotor control products and electrical accessories Their product range is vast and includes pump controllers motor controllers circulation controllers soft starters power distribution boards level alarms electrical accessories and more
High quality portable powered products Crommelins Machinery offers consistent strong and high-quality service and product support Their product range includes generators compacting and concreting tools cutting and drilling tools pressure cleaners pumps flooring tools ground care tools air equipment engines and general trade tools
Welcome to the familyThink Water Members benefit from partnerships with several industry-leading manufacturers and distributors
These companies are our Preferred Suppliers and we consider them as part of our family We promote innovation and sustainability within the industry and value suppliers with extensive technical expertise good logistical
and local support and top-quality products
We are advocates for our Preferred Suppliers and love what they do We are excited to welcome these companies to the Think Water Family and look forward to promoting excellence with them
Scan to contact Steve Dudgeon
Managing Director AU
Scan to Contact Bruce Pederick
State Manager AU
Scan to Contact Chloe Barrott
Marketing Manager NZ
Scan to Contact Steve Swingler
Account Manager AU
The designer water storage solution As the name suggests Designer Tanks offer a broad range of stylish above ground rainwater tanks that will present as a stylish feature in your garden These tanks are made from 100 recycled polyethylene and range in sizes from 300L to 1600L Accessories and connection kits also available
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
10 THINK TANK | April 2021
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
Buried in your business system is a large amount of information about your customers Not only is this information useful to better understand when and how much your customers buy from you but also their potential share of wallet and collectively your market share within your main service area
Once you extract this information and do some basic analysis it can give you some great insights into your customers
bull Identify new customers and then workout how effective your marketing spend is
bull Compare how existing customers are purchasing year on year
bull Identify key markets you operate in- intuitively you know this-
however there may also be other markets yoursquore missing out on that may not be obvious
bull Compare your data with external data (ABS and other data sources) to work out market share
This information is also valuable to guide you on strategic decisions such as marketing spend target markets and opening up new opportunities such as new product lines
How do I extract this informationThe simplest way to do this is to export top line sales history by customer for each year into an Excel spreadsheet Most systems export as a CSV file ndash which is easily handled in Excel
Once this data is downloaded it can then be cleaned up and sorted ndash if this is a step too far then we can assist
Once the data is cleaned you can then allocate a market segment to each customer such as horticulture broadacre cashpos local government schools residential cattle sheep dairy lifestyle basically what ever fits your business and location
To then do further work on the data councils ABS Stats NZ or other sources will have localised information on farm enterprise numbers this can give you a good picture of your local area
Gold in dataHow analysing your sales data from previous years can tell you about your customers and business
Phil Best Operations Manager AU
COMPLETE WATER SOLUTIONS ENHANCED BY TECHNOLOGY
Low powered and cost remote monitoring and control
wwwtheyabbycomau
12 THINK TANK | April 2021
Here at Think Water we aim to ensure all employees are given access to gaining essential skills that are required in the workplace Employers will find that allowing employees to access training results in increased performance and engagement from the team It will also lead to improved employee retention in the business This is why the National Support Office always aims to provide excellent training solutions for our Members and their teams
Think Waterrsquos Digital Hub provides all this and more It is a digital online learning platform that is fully subsidised by the NSO The Hub gets updated monthly with hundreds of new training videos which ensures new and exciting content each year
Our aim for 2021 is to provide courses that are relevant effective and inspiring to ensure users stay engaged We carefully select our training options by finding engaging interactive and useful resources for our Members
This year users will see great topics around personal growth and workplace skills along with our yearly compliance courses around workplace behaviour business interaction and health and safety
The platform host is also introducing a lot of great new tools focused on self-help and mindfulness This provides options for users to access books and mindfulness tools that may be useful in work and outside of work This is forming a holistic training solution for Think Water Members and their teams
Some great new training courses that have recently been added to the Hub include the following
bull Managing Stress and Building Resilience
bull Emerging Leader Award
bull Effective Communication and Sales Skills
bull Successful Project Management
Scan the QR code to access the Digital Hub If you need an account created please email Aimee directly
A holistic training solution
Easy LokTough jobs made easyJoin large bore metric pipe fast and reliably every time
PHI0910-0321
PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1 26221 332 pm26221 332 pm
Aimee Hewson Business Support (AU amp NZ) amp HR Trainee
Think Water Northern Rivers
In recent months Think Water Northern Rivers have undertaken the implementation of numerous software programs and hardware upgrades to increase effeciency within the business
Software introduced includes H2Go Microsoft Teams Microsoft Project Windows 10 PipeDrive AutoCAD Erica IrriCAD Mondaycom and Microsoft Visio
By implementing the collaborative online sharing communication platform Microsoft Teams for both staff and contractors the Team has since noticed tremendous improvements in effective communication Email has become less clogged with ldquoconversationsrdquo and more informative Each department has easy access to relevant information allowing them to communicate with each other external suppliers and customers with ease
A new file structure procedure has been introduced allowing all files to be stored and saved in a sensical fashion This new structure prompts data collection for jobs that may have been missed previously version control documents and synchronises how information is saved
As part of the project all computer hardware has been upgraded which was quite a staggering cost for the business but has been balanced out with less need for external IT
assistance Due to all staff using Windows 10 our workflow is more effecient troubleshooting is easier and can be performed inhouse therefore saving money This business manoeuvre has allowed the company to make the first step in migrating towards a cloud-based network the programs are running smoother processes faster and the maintenance is now less
Microsoft Project has been introduced to assist in developing schedules assigning resources to tasks tracking progress managing the budget and analysing workloads It is currently being used by the Team for the design process and workflow and will eventually include installation timelines as well
lsquoMondaycomrsquo has been inplemented to assist with outlining the progress of each stage of the project (design quote and installation) Although the Team comments that Microsoft Project is the most successful project planning platform they have used so far
H2Go (Ostendo) was one of the first software packages to be introduced and is the core of our business H2Go is designed to assist staff in focusing on the range of operational activities that generate revenue and profits within the business while giving your accounting software system something to account for The Team has mentioned lsquoit has been a challenge to adapt to the system but is proving to be far more capable than
expectedrdquo H2Go links well with Xero our accounting software and Tyro our EFTPOS terminal
PipeDrive a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform has been inplemented to track the progress of quotes to sales customer communication and gauge the amount of work coming up to plan installations PipeDrive is also useful for measuring sales performance and assisting with cashflow predictions You can access this software remotely and itrsquos known to be reasonably user-friendly while costing about $124month in subscription fees
AutoCAD Erica and IrriCAD have been introduced to assist with drawing irrigation system designs and installation plans These programs both link with Microsoft Teams for data sharing
Implementing Microsoft Visio has given us the ability to draw and document flow charts for customers and installation technicians It is important to note that the program needs to be set up properly to be successful within the work flow Microsoft Visio is a cloud-based program costing $950 which makes it easier to work collaboratively between office and offsite staff
Although the digital upgrade project has been costly at times and a steep learning curve Lee Rothwell is happy with the result and reports a successful implementation and many improvements within the business from all aspects
Upgrading to increase efficiency within our business
14 THINK TANK | April 2021
Businesses require structure to grow and be profitable Planning the structure of your business ensures there are enough resources to meet the companyrsquos goals and each employee understands the reporting hireachy
This article outlines some key points to consider when conducting your organisational structure review
Job Descriptions and Optimising EmployeesRegardless of the kind of structure an organisation uses itrsquos critical to clearly identify job descriptions so that employees are aware of what is expected of them In addition the structure may identify weak spots or deficiencies in the companyrsquos current management team
CommunicationGood structure allows for better communication Since the flow of information is essential to an organisationrsquos success the structure should be designed with clear lines of communication in mind
Clear Reporting Relationships
Employees need a clear understanding of who they are accountable to Otherwise responsibility for a task may fall through the cracks wersquove all seen that before Each employee benefits by knowing whom they can turn to for direction or help
Establishing and Attaining ObjectivesThe design of an organisation structure should be in line with achieving company goals The business should be structured to enable the employees to help the company reach its targets most effectively
Growth and ExpansionCompanies that grow rapidly are those that typically make the best use of their resources A sound organisation structure ensures that the company has the right people in the right positions A well-designed organisation structure facilitates the completion of all projects Completing projects successfully leads to business growth
Remaining Stable Yet Flexible to Promote Growth
An organisationrsquos structure needs to provide a stable work environment for employees If a company undertakes several organisational changes in a short period of time employees may feel nervous about their position in the company and may be distracted from their day-to-day tasks leading to a loss of productivity
However itrsquos essential that an organisation is flexible to adapt to changes that are out of its control For example key individuals within the company can leave and economic or environmental factors can affect the profitability of the business A well structured business will be nimble and shift organisationally to accommodate these challenges
If you would like assistance with the structure of your business please contact Chris or your Operations Manager directly to discuss
Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
A A P I N D U S T R I E S C O M A U
ENGINEERING
PLUMBING
IRRIGATION
FIRE PROTECTION
MINING
OIL amp GAS
15April 2021 | THINK TANK
Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
Team members whoserve as mentors
also report greaterjob satisfaction
and greater career success
Mentoring programs have a positive
track record for enhancing the effectiveness of a teamrsquos success
said they would stay at a company longer if they were offered
opportunities to learn and grow
of team members
94
mentoring had a positive impact on their profits
of businessesbelieve
55
an increase in productivity due
to mentoring
of businessesreported
67
Andrew Walker Operations Manager NZ
5Mentorship is a relationship between two people where the individual with more experience knowledge and connections can pass along what they have learned to a more junior team member within your business Keep in mind though the mentor and the mentee do not necessarily need to be in the same business for the mentorship to be successful
1 Define the programrsquos goalTo get started you need to define the parameters of your program and what you want to achieve from it These should typically be designed to nurture talent and improve performance provide benefit to the company and enhance personal growth This should also be focused on where the business will benefit most
2 Outline the process in the workplace
Well-organised programs offer structure and support to maximise the value to both the team and the business Each program will be different so itrsquos important to provide quick simple points to outline
a) How the program can be accessed
b) Who can be a mentor (what level of experience or qualifications are required)
c) The duration of the mentorship
d) The format One-to-one or group setting
e) How will the programrsquos success be tracked and measured
In the case of a franchise business such as Think Water the use of modern technology auch as lsquoMicrosoft Teamsrsquo (and the like) is a very cost-effective group communication platform
3 Select program participantsMentoring thrives on diversity If you want your program to be successful it needs a diverse set of mentors and mentees to share thoughts ideas and experiences By doing so both parties can identify strengths and weaknesses and how they can work together to improve
4 Match mentors and menteesThe strengths and weaknesses of a mentee should be complimented and balanced by those of a mentor To enable an inspiring experience itrsquos important to be mindful of who yoursquore pairing and why Mentees should be matched based on several criteria for instance
a) Diverse yet complementary interests
b) Compatible personality
c) Age group similarities
d) Experience skills and ideas that meet the menteersquos future career goals
5 Provide trainingBefore during and after the program you should provide mentors with ongoing training and development to help them support their mentees Mentors must also learn how to balance their own expectations and the company objectives
The main goal of a mentorship initiative is to prepare your team members with the necessary tools for success Having a structured and organised program will allow goal-oriented team members to further develop their skills The best part is yoursquore able to utilise the resources and connections your company already has
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
16 THINK TANK | April 2021
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
17April 2021 | THINK TANK
Think Water Hawkes Bay
We are pleased to announce the new General Manager of Think Water Hawkes Bay Mark Allan
Walking into this position in October of 2020 Mark claims to have no formal qualifications or irrigation experience and due to the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience already within the team he wonrsquot need it
Throughout his career Mark has had an assortment of management roles including an 18 year span at Toll where he managed a business unit that was awarded lsquoBranch of the Yearrsquo for nine years straight and achieved the best EBIT as a percentage of revenue for 14+ years
From his first day on the job Mark said that team have been outstanding Everyone is so honest and open enabling him to develop a high-level view of where the business is currently positioned He highlights
the undoubting commitment and trust shown by owners Mark Tremain and Anthony Waites in handing their business over to him He says he doesnrsquot underestimate the difficulty the change would be after years of making decisions themselves but appreciates it nonetheless
Mark Tremain mentioned ldquoI am expecting Mark will bring in processes and organisation to our business to assist with looking after the areas that are often forgotten about but in fact are the most importantrdquo
ldquoI have attempted to not change the world overnight as I am a realist around understanding the business firstrdquo said Mark
While in his newly appointed position of General Manager he intends to be solely focused on ldquoworking on the businessrdquo Mark mentions the team has made great progress with a newly established OHampS committee and
weekly operational meetings such as a Monday morning tool-box meeting
With future plans in place to implement procedures such as a CRM and other IT systems that will enable more streamlined processes and efficient workflows The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities which will hopefully result in the elimination of the lsquoJack of all trades master of nonersquo syndrome
Mark also states his intention to review HR with a key focus on staff performance management and setting target objectives to better develop his team and ultimately benefit the business
Another goal of his is to begin aligning both of the Hawkes Bay retail stores to give a consistency of outcome for customers Mark plans to utilise current trade data historical activity and customer feedback from both stores to provide a gold mine of information to review and learn from
bull Fully galvanised wallsbull Quality Polytoughreg liner
bull Heavy duty galvanised trussesbull Built to Australian building codes
1800 008 888 w w w b u s h m a n t a n k s c o m a u
Not just another cable company
Call or email for further information07 3856 6182 | technicalpowerflexcablescomau
Pump Control ndash Alternating or Parallel Alternated control of two pumps (or other devices)
Pump Control amp Level Monitoring 10 different functions in one very compact device
Welcome to the team Mark Allan
ldquoTo achieve our goals we will be engaging with the team to explain lsquowhyrsquo something needs to change
not just that it is lsquochangingrsquordquo
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
18 THINK TANK | April 2021
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
2020 was a year we will all remember and talk about with the coming generations for all sorts of reasons
While the rapid changes technology has forced change upon us for most of our lives we have never experienced the acceleration of the digital world like 2020 the year Covid19 hit In a year where shops shut entire businesses worked from home and the ability to travel freely disappeared even the most technologically challenged were forced into the digital world
The Think Water family already well entrenched in the digital world accelerated our use in 2020 With travel restricted the national support office switched our Preferred Supplier and Member operational meetings to video meetings using Microsoft Teams and Zoom becoming the new way to communicate
Online meetings have increased our efficiencies and given us the format for our most successful Annual General Meeting with 24 attendees and a list of resolutions passed that strengthen our unique MemberndashShareholder ownership structure
We continued our digital development releasing new Think Water New Zealand and Australia websites and personalised microsites for each Think Water Member
The new microsites work in conjunction with individual Google my Business and social media profiles to ensure the Think Water digital footprint continues to grow
In 2021 we are continuing our digital investment with increased search engine optimisation and improvements to the educational content on our national websites and microsites
With goals for our digital footprint set we now have the digital analytics to work with each Think Water Member and ensure their presence in the digital world is growing and is utilised as effectively as possible
So while 2020 was the year that forced plenty of change into our business world it was also the year that proved Think Water is prepared for the changes that lie ahead This issue of Think Tank focusrsquos on working in a digital world We hope you enjoy the read
Tony France General Manager
THINK TANK is a Publication of Think Water National Support Office
Contributors Tony France Liesle Corns Aimee Hewson Natalie Kingcott Robyn Anderson Andrew Walker Chris Rehm and Phil Best
YOUR
LOC
AL WATER EXPER
TS
ContentsLetrsquos get digital 4
Save the date 6
Success for the Think Water Academy 8
Welcome to the family 10
Gold in data 12
A holistic training solution 13
Upgrading to increase effeciency within our business 14
Why is it important to have a good organisational structure 15
Five steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business 16
Welcome to the team Mark Allan 18
Could this be the update your business needs 19
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing 21
Who we are is how we work 22
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings 23
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair 24
The all-in-one rainwater filtration solution 25
Crusader Hose commits to the irrigation industry 26
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as daisy chain27
Brand evolution 28
Worldrsquos first insect resistant drip tape 29
Tempustm DC kits30
All the right parts in one great value bundle 30
Time and money saving valve solutions 31
Pattern approved water meters 32
Six reasons to install a solar pumping system 33
Dripper comparison 34
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality 35
Dust control in agriculture 36
3April 2021 | THINK TANK
OPPORTUNITY
CLOUDCOMPUTING
INTERNET
TECHNOLOGY
INTEGRATION
DIGITALSERVICES
Letrsquos get digital
App and software solutions to increase productivity in your business
Device Tablet Mobile
Cost Starts at $3 per user per month Free seven day trial
What it does Deputy is a mobile app that gives you the ability to manage employee rosters recordtrack time and swap shifts Integrates with many accounting software platforms
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost Starts at $60 per month
What it does NearMap is cloud based software that provides high-resolution up-to-date scaleable aeiral photos Integrates with many GIS and CAD software platforms AU and NZ maps available
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost From $690 per user per month with an Office 365 subscription Free limited version available
What it does Microsoft Teams is a cross device communication platform that facilitates instant messaging and phonevideo calls Integrates with all Microsoft programs and has many productivity plugins
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost From $16499 per user per year Free limited version available
What it does Canva is an online graphic design and video editing platform for creating social media and marketing collateral Facilitates social media posting
Microsoft Teams
In todayrsquos modern world change is a daily occurrence and requires a lot of energy and attention to keep up with However this is a struggle that we all have in common So how do we approach this daily task and how do we gauge the impact of not keeping up with the Joneses
Digital transformation is about the integration of technology in all aspects of your business by introducing new processes that ease your workload automate systems provide better customer satisfaction increase productivity and efficiency and the overall result of higher value for your customers
Donrsquot be alarmed about change in this area do your research work with your team and Think Water to achieve success together At Think Water you are part of a network who share experiences and ideas which means NSO or a fellow Member will have a solution to your problem
Following are six ideas to assist with preparation for your digital transformation journey
1 Check your current processes
Audit your processes to work out what areas can be improved or automated There really isnrsquot any point in fixing something that isnrsquot broken but you may discover that a simple tweak can make the process more efficient
2 Shop around
When it comes to software there are usually many programs that are similar and do the same task You may find one does one thing and another does something that suits your busines better A good example of this is project management software there are many different programs such as Mondaycom Trello Teamwork and Microsoft Project
3 Talk to your peers and staff
They may have come across a similiar issue and implemented a solution to solve it already This will save you a lot of ground work and you might have an inside support person
4 Do your research
Cutting edge is bleeding edge so it is essential that you do the research and understand the impact of the digital upgrade before implementing it Also utilise software packages that integrate with other systems easily that way your work flow wonrsquot be interrupted
5 Match the process to your hardware
Understand that upgrading software and implementing digital solutions can put additional strain on current hardware You may find that you need to upgrade computers and devices to make the most out of new software and this can be a costly task
6 Plan your changes
Choose your time wisely it really isnrsquot a good idea to implement a complete new software package or process during they busiest time of the year Also when you plan the change you can notify all staff and get everyone on board before you start which will help to keep things running smoothly
4 THINK TANK | April 2021
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost Free
What it does IrriSAT is an online weather based irrigation scheduling service which is used to inform farmers how much water their crop has used and how much irrigation they need to apply
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost Starts at $20 per month
What it does Loopy Loyalty is an online platform that allows you to create a loyalty program for your customers The system is easy to use and can be custom branded to your business
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost From $15 per user per month Free limited version available
What it does Grammarly is a software plugin that highlights spelling and grammar mistakes when installed on your device Intergrates with word processing and email software on all devices
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost From $1250 per user per month Free limited version available
What it does Trello is a cloud based project management tool that allows you to assign jobs track progress automate and more It can be accessed on any device and integrates with many other software including Microsoft Teams
IrriSAT
Now that you have a few ideas to get started letrsquos look at some areas that can be improved by digital transformation
Sales Wouldnrsquot it be great to have software that kept track of your stock levels talked to your accountant and was controllable from one place Well take the time to check out H2GO the sales software custom designed for Think Water businesses itrsquos a great place to start when digitising your business
H2GO is continually developed and evolved for Think Water Members you can read more about it on page 19
Human ResourcesHow do you keep track of your staff and their details How do you handle policies Why not talk to NSO about an online HR platform that integrates with your accounting software and keeps you updated on the latest legislation while keeping track of your staff details
CommunicationCommunication is the key to all relationships whether itrsquos your team or your customers getting it right is essential How are your internal phone systems looking Is there a contact point for every staff member How do your customers reach you Do you have message bank or an answering service How do customers contact you after hours
There are a number of software platforms that offer a solution for communication such as WhatsApp Teams Slack and Skype Improving communication within your team will have a positive impact on your customers At NSO we use Microsoft Teams as a communication tool why not have a chat with us to see how it improves our work flow
Transport TrackingHow do you keep track of the vehicles within your business Do you still use the good old log book in the glove box Paper records are a simple way to manage things but they can get lost very easily Take a look at vehicle tracking software that uses GPS to provide accurate details on when and where your vehicles are These can be as simple as a GPS device in the vehicle or an app on a mobile phone
MarketingPreviously marketing was limited to press adverts billboards radio television direct mail or signage These days digital marketing enables us to get our brand in front of more customers more often and sometimes at a cheaper price
There are many cloud based apps to assist with digital artwork including Canva and Adobe Spark You can also use tools like MailChimp to send electronic mail and Google Analytics to track customer actions
Talk to the Marketing Coordinator at NSO for assistance with digitising your marketing
Customer Relations With so many customer requests on the go at any given time it can be a real challenge to keep up with what is happening By using a Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) you and your team can easily be across all customers comings and goings
There are hundreds of CRM packages on the market including HubSpot Zoho Pipedrive Salesforce and more We recommend choosing one that integrates with existing software
Stationery ExpensesPens paper receipt books and printer inktoner all cost money Imagine the savings from running a paper free office Not to mention the benefits for the environment By using devices and software such as iPads and digital forms you can reduce the environmental footprint of your business and the cost of consumables
So now you have some great ideas and tips on how you can start the digital transformation of your business Take your time plan your journey and remember there isnrsquot any need to reinvent the wheel talk to the team at NSO to discover the best tool for your challenge
5April 2021 | THINK TANK
With travel restrictions still somewhat uncertain between Australia and New Zealand we are working on a plan to ensure this yearsrsquo conference will be going ahead
Please save the following dates in your calendar to avoid missing out
Further information and agenda will be released to all Members and Preferred Suppliers after 1 June 2021
Cairns Australia
5 to 8 August 2021
Queenstown New Zealand
29 July 2021 to 1 August 2021
2021 Think Water Conference
SAVE THE DATE
Custom Designed ERP Software Allowing
you to Regain Control of Your Business
Click here or talk to your Operations Manager for more information
6 THINK TANK | April 2021
LINE
0800 353 966 | wwwaquaspecconzOur range of manual disc filtration with the patentedAZUD HELIX guarantees maximum filtration safety
OPTIMISES
FILTRATION
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABLE RECYCLABLE AND STYLISH
Phone 027 328 5191 wwwdesignertanksconz
RAIN WATER COLLECTION TANKS
Choose from a wide variety ofbull TANKSbull DOWNPIPE DIVERTERSbull TAPS amp ACCESSORIES
The Choice Is Clear
PUMPS FILTERS CHLORINATORS LIGHTS AUTOMATION CHEMICALSCLEANERS
wwwhydroflowconzordershydroflowconz
For more information on this product visit hydroflowconz or scan the qr code
The TankBuddy draws clean water from the top of the tank reducing the risk of drawing contimated water
APEX TANK BUDDYFloating Tank Inlet
1800 281 282 | wwwmatelecaustral iacomau
COMPLETEPUMP amp MOTORCONTROL SOLUTIONSCONCEPT gt DESIGN gt MANUFACTURE gt APPLICATION READY
The Think Water Academy is back After eighteen months of planning and locking in dates then cancelling or changing them due to travel restrictions and snap lock downs we eventually got the Academy up and running with it kicking off in early March 2021
This years Think Water Academy had a total of 13 students enrolled from various stores throughout Australia and New Zealand and two students from New Zealand Preferred Supplier Hydroflow
We are also excited to announce that eight of these students have signed up to complete the newly released full Certificate III in Irrigation Technology (AHC32419) Trade
There are many good reasons for providing training to our Members and their teams they including
bull Improved employee performance
bull addressing weaknesses and turning them into strengths
bull increased productivity and
bull reduced employee turnover
The new Think Water Academy has been specifically tailored to our Members business needs and has relevance back to the Certificate III competencies The Academy training includes a specific focus on key areas such as water treatment soil analysis and types irrigation design pumps and hydraulics
Enrolling in the full Certificate III will give students training in areas such as electrofusion and butt welding travelling irrigators mains water connection for irrigation and electrical connectdisconnect
Why the changeThere has been a major ldquoshiftrdquo away from the ldquosupplierrdquo training format to the new competency based format This was driven by the introduction of the new Certificate III trade the registered training organisation the Irrigation Association of Australia and the needs of our Members
The old format although it was full of great content and trainers it did not really provide our Members or the trainees with anything concrete to hang their hats on Yes they
learnt but what formal qualifications did they gain The new format contains certified modules that go towards gaining federally recognised competencies in key areas of our industry and markets Ultimately the NSO and our Members agreed that there is no point or value investing a large amount of funds into non-competency-based training
We all know that the industry is aging throughout Australia and New Zealand and how hard it is attracting and retaining good people Now is the time to encourage our people to stay in the industry and develop into the next generation of Think Water business owners
In support of this evolution we recognise the need to have a solid foundation in place for our training solutions that covers the NSO and our Members
For more information about the Academy contact Chris directly or check out the training section of the Members Portal
Success for the Think Water Academy
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
infomaitcomauPh 1300 739 920
Weather station
Valve control amp soil monitoring
Pump monitoring amp control
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR WATER WITH iNTELLiTROLreg
Valve control amp soil monitoring
8 THINK TANK | April 2021
THE BEST HOMES ARE GRUNDFOS HOMES
NEW HOME amp GARDEN RANGE BROCHURE
Our NEW Home amp Garden Range brochure contains sizing and
selection information about our full range of domestic water supply
wastewater amp drainage and hot water amp heating products
NEW HOME amp GARDEN A4 FLYERS
bull Inverter technology delivers perfect pressure to all taps
bull Suitable for pumping from water sources above and below
the level of the pump including from below ground tanks
bull Intelligent controller allows for pressure adjustment at the
touch of a button
bull Very quiet operation that wonrsquot disturb your
family or neighbours
bull Tough weather resistant outer casing houses the pump
motor and the controller
bull Easy installation ndash plug amp pump ndash Simply connect to the
pipework prime the pump plug into a power outlet and
yoursquore ready to pump
SCALA22
YEARWARRANTY
ALL-IN-ONE SELF-PRIMING BOOSTER
WITH INVERTER TECHNOLOGY
DRY-RUN PROTECTION
The pump will be stopped if no
water is detected at the inlet
preventing internal damage
and protecting your motor
from damage
ANTI-CYCLING
PROTECTION
The pump will be stopped and
alarm activated if it repeatedly
turns on and off over a short
period of time (called lsquocyclingrsquo)
which could indicate a leaking
pipe or dripping tap
AUTO STARTSTOP
The pump will automatically
start and stop when outlets
(eg taps) are turned on or off
GRUNDFOS EYE
Provides dynamic pump status
operator feedback such as
power on pump running and
any alarms or faults
PUMP CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
Above
Pump Level
Below
Pump Level
Mains
Water
Household
WaterIrrigation
Mains
Boosting
WATER SOURCEAPPLICATION
47 dB Max LOW NOISE
Subject to local legislation
bull Includes float switch for automatic operation
and dry run protection
bull Virtually silent submerged operation that
wonrsquot that wonrsquot disturb your family or
neighbours
bull Easy submerged installation ndash plug amp pump
Connect to the pipework plug into a power
outlet and yoursquore ready to pump
bull Suitable for submerged pumping from
water sources above or below ground level
SB2
YEARWARRANTY
SUBMERSIBLE BOOSTER
PUMP CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
WATER SOURCE APPLICATION
25 dB Max LOW NOISE
Household Water
Irrigation
Above Pump Level
Below Pump Level
SB-A with float switch
SB-AW with floating suction strainer and float switch
FLOAT SWITCH
External float that
turns your pump
on or off based
on the water level
- this prevents dry-running
CURRENT OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The single phase motor
will stop automatically if
a current overload event
occurs and will restart
once normal current is
restored - protecting
your motor from damage
THERMAL OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The single phase motor
will stop automatically
if it overheats and will
restart once it cools
down - protecting your
motor from damage
bull Able to pump down to just 3 mm of water making it perfect for emptying pools ponds wells or tanks
bull Suitable for fully or partially submerged use
bull High quality composite and stainless steel construction
bull Suitable for permanent installation or as a light weight portable pump
UNILIFT CC 2 YEAR
WARRANTY
SUBMERSIBLE DRAINAGE PUMP
CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
APPLICATIONWATER SOURCE
Clean Water Drainage
StormGrey Water HandlingClean Water Storm
Grey Water
FLOAT SWITCHExternal float that either turns your pump on or off based on the water level - this prevents overflowing and dry-running
SELF-COOLING MOTORThe pump is cooled by water being pumped protecting it
from overheating even when only partially submerged
MAXIMUM PARTICLE SIZE
Itrsquos a good idea to check your water source to make sure it doesnrsquot contain dirt fibres plant or other material larger than 10 mm If it does you might need a drainage pump capable of handling larger particle sizes like the onersquos below
10 mm
AP 1212
mm
AP 35 amp AP 35B35 mm
AP 50 amp AP 50B50 mm
bull Increased hot water pressure for a single outlet
bull Hygienic stainless steel construction throughout
bull Built-in controller so no extra wiring required keeping installation costs low
bull Ultra quiet operation that wonrsquot disturb your family
bull Option of automatic or manual operation
UPA N2 YEARWARRANTY
HOT WATER PRESSURE BOOSTERWATER SOURCE
APPLICATION
Hot Water
FIND SPACE FOR YOUR PUMPThe UPA N range has been designed to fit into confined spaces
See below the space required for installation
Mains Boosting
Model Pipe Connections Dimensions (mm)
A (Port to Port) B (h) C (w1) D (w2) E (d1) F (d2)
UPA N 15-9034rdquo
214160
5054
10323
AB
C DEF
Introducing our NEW A4 Product Flyers for each product
within our home and garden range These flyers focus on equipping the consumer with what they
need-to-know about a pump range
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ONLINE VERSION CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CM BOOSTER SELF-PRIMING FLYER
For more information about our new range of materials email marketing-augrundfoscom
The future in remote monitoring Yabby Sensors are an Australian-owned company specialising in technology supported complete water management solutions Their remote monitoring solutions provide data for asset tracking environmental monitoring irrigation control and level sensors for the agricultural and resource market sectors
Australian Made for the Australian Climate MATelec has more than 45 years of experience manufacturing pumpmotor control products and electrical accessories Their product range is vast and includes pump controllers motor controllers circulation controllers soft starters power distribution boards level alarms electrical accessories and more
High quality portable powered products Crommelins Machinery offers consistent strong and high-quality service and product support Their product range includes generators compacting and concreting tools cutting and drilling tools pressure cleaners pumps flooring tools ground care tools air equipment engines and general trade tools
Welcome to the familyThink Water Members benefit from partnerships with several industry-leading manufacturers and distributors
These companies are our Preferred Suppliers and we consider them as part of our family We promote innovation and sustainability within the industry and value suppliers with extensive technical expertise good logistical
and local support and top-quality products
We are advocates for our Preferred Suppliers and love what they do We are excited to welcome these companies to the Think Water Family and look forward to promoting excellence with them
Scan to contact Steve Dudgeon
Managing Director AU
Scan to Contact Bruce Pederick
State Manager AU
Scan to Contact Chloe Barrott
Marketing Manager NZ
Scan to Contact Steve Swingler
Account Manager AU
The designer water storage solution As the name suggests Designer Tanks offer a broad range of stylish above ground rainwater tanks that will present as a stylish feature in your garden These tanks are made from 100 recycled polyethylene and range in sizes from 300L to 1600L Accessories and connection kits also available
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
10 THINK TANK | April 2021
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
Buried in your business system is a large amount of information about your customers Not only is this information useful to better understand when and how much your customers buy from you but also their potential share of wallet and collectively your market share within your main service area
Once you extract this information and do some basic analysis it can give you some great insights into your customers
bull Identify new customers and then workout how effective your marketing spend is
bull Compare how existing customers are purchasing year on year
bull Identify key markets you operate in- intuitively you know this-
however there may also be other markets yoursquore missing out on that may not be obvious
bull Compare your data with external data (ABS and other data sources) to work out market share
This information is also valuable to guide you on strategic decisions such as marketing spend target markets and opening up new opportunities such as new product lines
How do I extract this informationThe simplest way to do this is to export top line sales history by customer for each year into an Excel spreadsheet Most systems export as a CSV file ndash which is easily handled in Excel
Once this data is downloaded it can then be cleaned up and sorted ndash if this is a step too far then we can assist
Once the data is cleaned you can then allocate a market segment to each customer such as horticulture broadacre cashpos local government schools residential cattle sheep dairy lifestyle basically what ever fits your business and location
To then do further work on the data councils ABS Stats NZ or other sources will have localised information on farm enterprise numbers this can give you a good picture of your local area
Gold in dataHow analysing your sales data from previous years can tell you about your customers and business
Phil Best Operations Manager AU
COMPLETE WATER SOLUTIONS ENHANCED BY TECHNOLOGY
Low powered and cost remote monitoring and control
wwwtheyabbycomau
12 THINK TANK | April 2021
Here at Think Water we aim to ensure all employees are given access to gaining essential skills that are required in the workplace Employers will find that allowing employees to access training results in increased performance and engagement from the team It will also lead to improved employee retention in the business This is why the National Support Office always aims to provide excellent training solutions for our Members and their teams
Think Waterrsquos Digital Hub provides all this and more It is a digital online learning platform that is fully subsidised by the NSO The Hub gets updated monthly with hundreds of new training videos which ensures new and exciting content each year
Our aim for 2021 is to provide courses that are relevant effective and inspiring to ensure users stay engaged We carefully select our training options by finding engaging interactive and useful resources for our Members
This year users will see great topics around personal growth and workplace skills along with our yearly compliance courses around workplace behaviour business interaction and health and safety
The platform host is also introducing a lot of great new tools focused on self-help and mindfulness This provides options for users to access books and mindfulness tools that may be useful in work and outside of work This is forming a holistic training solution for Think Water Members and their teams
Some great new training courses that have recently been added to the Hub include the following
bull Managing Stress and Building Resilience
bull Emerging Leader Award
bull Effective Communication and Sales Skills
bull Successful Project Management
Scan the QR code to access the Digital Hub If you need an account created please email Aimee directly
A holistic training solution
Easy LokTough jobs made easyJoin large bore metric pipe fast and reliably every time
PHI0910-0321
PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1 26221 332 pm26221 332 pm
Aimee Hewson Business Support (AU amp NZ) amp HR Trainee
Think Water Northern Rivers
In recent months Think Water Northern Rivers have undertaken the implementation of numerous software programs and hardware upgrades to increase effeciency within the business
Software introduced includes H2Go Microsoft Teams Microsoft Project Windows 10 PipeDrive AutoCAD Erica IrriCAD Mondaycom and Microsoft Visio
By implementing the collaborative online sharing communication platform Microsoft Teams for both staff and contractors the Team has since noticed tremendous improvements in effective communication Email has become less clogged with ldquoconversationsrdquo and more informative Each department has easy access to relevant information allowing them to communicate with each other external suppliers and customers with ease
A new file structure procedure has been introduced allowing all files to be stored and saved in a sensical fashion This new structure prompts data collection for jobs that may have been missed previously version control documents and synchronises how information is saved
As part of the project all computer hardware has been upgraded which was quite a staggering cost for the business but has been balanced out with less need for external IT
assistance Due to all staff using Windows 10 our workflow is more effecient troubleshooting is easier and can be performed inhouse therefore saving money This business manoeuvre has allowed the company to make the first step in migrating towards a cloud-based network the programs are running smoother processes faster and the maintenance is now less
Microsoft Project has been introduced to assist in developing schedules assigning resources to tasks tracking progress managing the budget and analysing workloads It is currently being used by the Team for the design process and workflow and will eventually include installation timelines as well
lsquoMondaycomrsquo has been inplemented to assist with outlining the progress of each stage of the project (design quote and installation) Although the Team comments that Microsoft Project is the most successful project planning platform they have used so far
H2Go (Ostendo) was one of the first software packages to be introduced and is the core of our business H2Go is designed to assist staff in focusing on the range of operational activities that generate revenue and profits within the business while giving your accounting software system something to account for The Team has mentioned lsquoit has been a challenge to adapt to the system but is proving to be far more capable than
expectedrdquo H2Go links well with Xero our accounting software and Tyro our EFTPOS terminal
PipeDrive a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform has been inplemented to track the progress of quotes to sales customer communication and gauge the amount of work coming up to plan installations PipeDrive is also useful for measuring sales performance and assisting with cashflow predictions You can access this software remotely and itrsquos known to be reasonably user-friendly while costing about $124month in subscription fees
AutoCAD Erica and IrriCAD have been introduced to assist with drawing irrigation system designs and installation plans These programs both link with Microsoft Teams for data sharing
Implementing Microsoft Visio has given us the ability to draw and document flow charts for customers and installation technicians It is important to note that the program needs to be set up properly to be successful within the work flow Microsoft Visio is a cloud-based program costing $950 which makes it easier to work collaboratively between office and offsite staff
Although the digital upgrade project has been costly at times and a steep learning curve Lee Rothwell is happy with the result and reports a successful implementation and many improvements within the business from all aspects
Upgrading to increase efficiency within our business
14 THINK TANK | April 2021
Businesses require structure to grow and be profitable Planning the structure of your business ensures there are enough resources to meet the companyrsquos goals and each employee understands the reporting hireachy
This article outlines some key points to consider when conducting your organisational structure review
Job Descriptions and Optimising EmployeesRegardless of the kind of structure an organisation uses itrsquos critical to clearly identify job descriptions so that employees are aware of what is expected of them In addition the structure may identify weak spots or deficiencies in the companyrsquos current management team
CommunicationGood structure allows for better communication Since the flow of information is essential to an organisationrsquos success the structure should be designed with clear lines of communication in mind
Clear Reporting Relationships
Employees need a clear understanding of who they are accountable to Otherwise responsibility for a task may fall through the cracks wersquove all seen that before Each employee benefits by knowing whom they can turn to for direction or help
Establishing and Attaining ObjectivesThe design of an organisation structure should be in line with achieving company goals The business should be structured to enable the employees to help the company reach its targets most effectively
Growth and ExpansionCompanies that grow rapidly are those that typically make the best use of their resources A sound organisation structure ensures that the company has the right people in the right positions A well-designed organisation structure facilitates the completion of all projects Completing projects successfully leads to business growth
Remaining Stable Yet Flexible to Promote Growth
An organisationrsquos structure needs to provide a stable work environment for employees If a company undertakes several organisational changes in a short period of time employees may feel nervous about their position in the company and may be distracted from their day-to-day tasks leading to a loss of productivity
However itrsquos essential that an organisation is flexible to adapt to changes that are out of its control For example key individuals within the company can leave and economic or environmental factors can affect the profitability of the business A well structured business will be nimble and shift organisationally to accommodate these challenges
If you would like assistance with the structure of your business please contact Chris or your Operations Manager directly to discuss
Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
A A P I N D U S T R I E S C O M A U
ENGINEERING
PLUMBING
IRRIGATION
FIRE PROTECTION
MINING
OIL amp GAS
15April 2021 | THINK TANK
Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
Team members whoserve as mentors
also report greaterjob satisfaction
and greater career success
Mentoring programs have a positive
track record for enhancing the effectiveness of a teamrsquos success
said they would stay at a company longer if they were offered
opportunities to learn and grow
of team members
94
mentoring had a positive impact on their profits
of businessesbelieve
55
an increase in productivity due
to mentoring
of businessesreported
67
Andrew Walker Operations Manager NZ
5Mentorship is a relationship between two people where the individual with more experience knowledge and connections can pass along what they have learned to a more junior team member within your business Keep in mind though the mentor and the mentee do not necessarily need to be in the same business for the mentorship to be successful
1 Define the programrsquos goalTo get started you need to define the parameters of your program and what you want to achieve from it These should typically be designed to nurture talent and improve performance provide benefit to the company and enhance personal growth This should also be focused on where the business will benefit most
2 Outline the process in the workplace
Well-organised programs offer structure and support to maximise the value to both the team and the business Each program will be different so itrsquos important to provide quick simple points to outline
a) How the program can be accessed
b) Who can be a mentor (what level of experience or qualifications are required)
c) The duration of the mentorship
d) The format One-to-one or group setting
e) How will the programrsquos success be tracked and measured
In the case of a franchise business such as Think Water the use of modern technology auch as lsquoMicrosoft Teamsrsquo (and the like) is a very cost-effective group communication platform
3 Select program participantsMentoring thrives on diversity If you want your program to be successful it needs a diverse set of mentors and mentees to share thoughts ideas and experiences By doing so both parties can identify strengths and weaknesses and how they can work together to improve
4 Match mentors and menteesThe strengths and weaknesses of a mentee should be complimented and balanced by those of a mentor To enable an inspiring experience itrsquos important to be mindful of who yoursquore pairing and why Mentees should be matched based on several criteria for instance
a) Diverse yet complementary interests
b) Compatible personality
c) Age group similarities
d) Experience skills and ideas that meet the menteersquos future career goals
5 Provide trainingBefore during and after the program you should provide mentors with ongoing training and development to help them support their mentees Mentors must also learn how to balance their own expectations and the company objectives
The main goal of a mentorship initiative is to prepare your team members with the necessary tools for success Having a structured and organised program will allow goal-oriented team members to further develop their skills The best part is yoursquore able to utilise the resources and connections your company already has
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
16 THINK TANK | April 2021
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
17April 2021 | THINK TANK
Think Water Hawkes Bay
We are pleased to announce the new General Manager of Think Water Hawkes Bay Mark Allan
Walking into this position in October of 2020 Mark claims to have no formal qualifications or irrigation experience and due to the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience already within the team he wonrsquot need it
Throughout his career Mark has had an assortment of management roles including an 18 year span at Toll where he managed a business unit that was awarded lsquoBranch of the Yearrsquo for nine years straight and achieved the best EBIT as a percentage of revenue for 14+ years
From his first day on the job Mark said that team have been outstanding Everyone is so honest and open enabling him to develop a high-level view of where the business is currently positioned He highlights
the undoubting commitment and trust shown by owners Mark Tremain and Anthony Waites in handing their business over to him He says he doesnrsquot underestimate the difficulty the change would be after years of making decisions themselves but appreciates it nonetheless
Mark Tremain mentioned ldquoI am expecting Mark will bring in processes and organisation to our business to assist with looking after the areas that are often forgotten about but in fact are the most importantrdquo
ldquoI have attempted to not change the world overnight as I am a realist around understanding the business firstrdquo said Mark
While in his newly appointed position of General Manager he intends to be solely focused on ldquoworking on the businessrdquo Mark mentions the team has made great progress with a newly established OHampS committee and
weekly operational meetings such as a Monday morning tool-box meeting
With future plans in place to implement procedures such as a CRM and other IT systems that will enable more streamlined processes and efficient workflows The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities which will hopefully result in the elimination of the lsquoJack of all trades master of nonersquo syndrome
Mark also states his intention to review HR with a key focus on staff performance management and setting target objectives to better develop his team and ultimately benefit the business
Another goal of his is to begin aligning both of the Hawkes Bay retail stores to give a consistency of outcome for customers Mark plans to utilise current trade data historical activity and customer feedback from both stores to provide a gold mine of information to review and learn from
bull Fully galvanised wallsbull Quality Polytoughreg liner
bull Heavy duty galvanised trussesbull Built to Australian building codes
1800 008 888 w w w b u s h m a n t a n k s c o m a u
Not just another cable company
Call or email for further information07 3856 6182 | technicalpowerflexcablescomau
Pump Control ndash Alternating or Parallel Alternated control of two pumps (or other devices)
Pump Control amp Level Monitoring 10 different functions in one very compact device
Welcome to the team Mark Allan
ldquoTo achieve our goals we will be engaging with the team to explain lsquowhyrsquo something needs to change
not just that it is lsquochangingrsquordquo
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
18 THINK TANK | April 2021
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FREE CALL 1800 531 847
SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
OPPORTUNITY
CLOUDCOMPUTING
INTERNET
TECHNOLOGY
INTEGRATION
DIGITALSERVICES
Letrsquos get digital
App and software solutions to increase productivity in your business
Device Tablet Mobile
Cost Starts at $3 per user per month Free seven day trial
What it does Deputy is a mobile app that gives you the ability to manage employee rosters recordtrack time and swap shifts Integrates with many accounting software platforms
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost Starts at $60 per month
What it does NearMap is cloud based software that provides high-resolution up-to-date scaleable aeiral photos Integrates with many GIS and CAD software platforms AU and NZ maps available
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost From $690 per user per month with an Office 365 subscription Free limited version available
What it does Microsoft Teams is a cross device communication platform that facilitates instant messaging and phonevideo calls Integrates with all Microsoft programs and has many productivity plugins
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost From $16499 per user per year Free limited version available
What it does Canva is an online graphic design and video editing platform for creating social media and marketing collateral Facilitates social media posting
Microsoft Teams
In todayrsquos modern world change is a daily occurrence and requires a lot of energy and attention to keep up with However this is a struggle that we all have in common So how do we approach this daily task and how do we gauge the impact of not keeping up with the Joneses
Digital transformation is about the integration of technology in all aspects of your business by introducing new processes that ease your workload automate systems provide better customer satisfaction increase productivity and efficiency and the overall result of higher value for your customers
Donrsquot be alarmed about change in this area do your research work with your team and Think Water to achieve success together At Think Water you are part of a network who share experiences and ideas which means NSO or a fellow Member will have a solution to your problem
Following are six ideas to assist with preparation for your digital transformation journey
1 Check your current processes
Audit your processes to work out what areas can be improved or automated There really isnrsquot any point in fixing something that isnrsquot broken but you may discover that a simple tweak can make the process more efficient
2 Shop around
When it comes to software there are usually many programs that are similar and do the same task You may find one does one thing and another does something that suits your busines better A good example of this is project management software there are many different programs such as Mondaycom Trello Teamwork and Microsoft Project
3 Talk to your peers and staff
They may have come across a similiar issue and implemented a solution to solve it already This will save you a lot of ground work and you might have an inside support person
4 Do your research
Cutting edge is bleeding edge so it is essential that you do the research and understand the impact of the digital upgrade before implementing it Also utilise software packages that integrate with other systems easily that way your work flow wonrsquot be interrupted
5 Match the process to your hardware
Understand that upgrading software and implementing digital solutions can put additional strain on current hardware You may find that you need to upgrade computers and devices to make the most out of new software and this can be a costly task
6 Plan your changes
Choose your time wisely it really isnrsquot a good idea to implement a complete new software package or process during they busiest time of the year Also when you plan the change you can notify all staff and get everyone on board before you start which will help to keep things running smoothly
4 THINK TANK | April 2021
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost Free
What it does IrriSAT is an online weather based irrigation scheduling service which is used to inform farmers how much water their crop has used and how much irrigation they need to apply
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost Starts at $20 per month
What it does Loopy Loyalty is an online platform that allows you to create a loyalty program for your customers The system is easy to use and can be custom branded to your business
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost From $15 per user per month Free limited version available
What it does Grammarly is a software plugin that highlights spelling and grammar mistakes when installed on your device Intergrates with word processing and email software on all devices
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost From $1250 per user per month Free limited version available
What it does Trello is a cloud based project management tool that allows you to assign jobs track progress automate and more It can be accessed on any device and integrates with many other software including Microsoft Teams
IrriSAT
Now that you have a few ideas to get started letrsquos look at some areas that can be improved by digital transformation
Sales Wouldnrsquot it be great to have software that kept track of your stock levels talked to your accountant and was controllable from one place Well take the time to check out H2GO the sales software custom designed for Think Water businesses itrsquos a great place to start when digitising your business
H2GO is continually developed and evolved for Think Water Members you can read more about it on page 19
Human ResourcesHow do you keep track of your staff and their details How do you handle policies Why not talk to NSO about an online HR platform that integrates with your accounting software and keeps you updated on the latest legislation while keeping track of your staff details
CommunicationCommunication is the key to all relationships whether itrsquos your team or your customers getting it right is essential How are your internal phone systems looking Is there a contact point for every staff member How do your customers reach you Do you have message bank or an answering service How do customers contact you after hours
There are a number of software platforms that offer a solution for communication such as WhatsApp Teams Slack and Skype Improving communication within your team will have a positive impact on your customers At NSO we use Microsoft Teams as a communication tool why not have a chat with us to see how it improves our work flow
Transport TrackingHow do you keep track of the vehicles within your business Do you still use the good old log book in the glove box Paper records are a simple way to manage things but they can get lost very easily Take a look at vehicle tracking software that uses GPS to provide accurate details on when and where your vehicles are These can be as simple as a GPS device in the vehicle or an app on a mobile phone
MarketingPreviously marketing was limited to press adverts billboards radio television direct mail or signage These days digital marketing enables us to get our brand in front of more customers more often and sometimes at a cheaper price
There are many cloud based apps to assist with digital artwork including Canva and Adobe Spark You can also use tools like MailChimp to send electronic mail and Google Analytics to track customer actions
Talk to the Marketing Coordinator at NSO for assistance with digitising your marketing
Customer Relations With so many customer requests on the go at any given time it can be a real challenge to keep up with what is happening By using a Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) you and your team can easily be across all customers comings and goings
There are hundreds of CRM packages on the market including HubSpot Zoho Pipedrive Salesforce and more We recommend choosing one that integrates with existing software
Stationery ExpensesPens paper receipt books and printer inktoner all cost money Imagine the savings from running a paper free office Not to mention the benefits for the environment By using devices and software such as iPads and digital forms you can reduce the environmental footprint of your business and the cost of consumables
So now you have some great ideas and tips on how you can start the digital transformation of your business Take your time plan your journey and remember there isnrsquot any need to reinvent the wheel talk to the team at NSO to discover the best tool for your challenge
5April 2021 | THINK TANK
With travel restrictions still somewhat uncertain between Australia and New Zealand we are working on a plan to ensure this yearsrsquo conference will be going ahead
Please save the following dates in your calendar to avoid missing out
Further information and agenda will be released to all Members and Preferred Suppliers after 1 June 2021
Cairns Australia
5 to 8 August 2021
Queenstown New Zealand
29 July 2021 to 1 August 2021
2021 Think Water Conference
SAVE THE DATE
Custom Designed ERP Software Allowing
you to Regain Control of Your Business
Click here or talk to your Operations Manager for more information
6 THINK TANK | April 2021
LINE
0800 353 966 | wwwaquaspecconzOur range of manual disc filtration with the patentedAZUD HELIX guarantees maximum filtration safety
OPTIMISES
FILTRATION
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABLE RECYCLABLE AND STYLISH
Phone 027 328 5191 wwwdesignertanksconz
RAIN WATER COLLECTION TANKS
Choose from a wide variety ofbull TANKSbull DOWNPIPE DIVERTERSbull TAPS amp ACCESSORIES
The Choice Is Clear
PUMPS FILTERS CHLORINATORS LIGHTS AUTOMATION CHEMICALSCLEANERS
wwwhydroflowconzordershydroflowconz
For more information on this product visit hydroflowconz or scan the qr code
The TankBuddy draws clean water from the top of the tank reducing the risk of drawing contimated water
APEX TANK BUDDYFloating Tank Inlet
1800 281 282 | wwwmatelecaustral iacomau
COMPLETEPUMP amp MOTORCONTROL SOLUTIONSCONCEPT gt DESIGN gt MANUFACTURE gt APPLICATION READY
The Think Water Academy is back After eighteen months of planning and locking in dates then cancelling or changing them due to travel restrictions and snap lock downs we eventually got the Academy up and running with it kicking off in early March 2021
This years Think Water Academy had a total of 13 students enrolled from various stores throughout Australia and New Zealand and two students from New Zealand Preferred Supplier Hydroflow
We are also excited to announce that eight of these students have signed up to complete the newly released full Certificate III in Irrigation Technology (AHC32419) Trade
There are many good reasons for providing training to our Members and their teams they including
bull Improved employee performance
bull addressing weaknesses and turning them into strengths
bull increased productivity and
bull reduced employee turnover
The new Think Water Academy has been specifically tailored to our Members business needs and has relevance back to the Certificate III competencies The Academy training includes a specific focus on key areas such as water treatment soil analysis and types irrigation design pumps and hydraulics
Enrolling in the full Certificate III will give students training in areas such as electrofusion and butt welding travelling irrigators mains water connection for irrigation and electrical connectdisconnect
Why the changeThere has been a major ldquoshiftrdquo away from the ldquosupplierrdquo training format to the new competency based format This was driven by the introduction of the new Certificate III trade the registered training organisation the Irrigation Association of Australia and the needs of our Members
The old format although it was full of great content and trainers it did not really provide our Members or the trainees with anything concrete to hang their hats on Yes they
learnt but what formal qualifications did they gain The new format contains certified modules that go towards gaining federally recognised competencies in key areas of our industry and markets Ultimately the NSO and our Members agreed that there is no point or value investing a large amount of funds into non-competency-based training
We all know that the industry is aging throughout Australia and New Zealand and how hard it is attracting and retaining good people Now is the time to encourage our people to stay in the industry and develop into the next generation of Think Water business owners
In support of this evolution we recognise the need to have a solid foundation in place for our training solutions that covers the NSO and our Members
For more information about the Academy contact Chris directly or check out the training section of the Members Portal
Success for the Think Water Academy
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
infomaitcomauPh 1300 739 920
Weather station
Valve control amp soil monitoring
Pump monitoring amp control
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR WATER WITH iNTELLiTROLreg
Valve control amp soil monitoring
8 THINK TANK | April 2021
THE BEST HOMES ARE GRUNDFOS HOMES
NEW HOME amp GARDEN RANGE BROCHURE
Our NEW Home amp Garden Range brochure contains sizing and
selection information about our full range of domestic water supply
wastewater amp drainage and hot water amp heating products
NEW HOME amp GARDEN A4 FLYERS
bull Inverter technology delivers perfect pressure to all taps
bull Suitable for pumping from water sources above and below
the level of the pump including from below ground tanks
bull Intelligent controller allows for pressure adjustment at the
touch of a button
bull Very quiet operation that wonrsquot disturb your
family or neighbours
bull Tough weather resistant outer casing houses the pump
motor and the controller
bull Easy installation ndash plug amp pump ndash Simply connect to the
pipework prime the pump plug into a power outlet and
yoursquore ready to pump
SCALA22
YEARWARRANTY
ALL-IN-ONE SELF-PRIMING BOOSTER
WITH INVERTER TECHNOLOGY
DRY-RUN PROTECTION
The pump will be stopped if no
water is detected at the inlet
preventing internal damage
and protecting your motor
from damage
ANTI-CYCLING
PROTECTION
The pump will be stopped and
alarm activated if it repeatedly
turns on and off over a short
period of time (called lsquocyclingrsquo)
which could indicate a leaking
pipe or dripping tap
AUTO STARTSTOP
The pump will automatically
start and stop when outlets
(eg taps) are turned on or off
GRUNDFOS EYE
Provides dynamic pump status
operator feedback such as
power on pump running and
any alarms or faults
PUMP CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
Above
Pump Level
Below
Pump Level
Mains
Water
Household
WaterIrrigation
Mains
Boosting
WATER SOURCEAPPLICATION
47 dB Max LOW NOISE
Subject to local legislation
bull Includes float switch for automatic operation
and dry run protection
bull Virtually silent submerged operation that
wonrsquot that wonrsquot disturb your family or
neighbours
bull Easy submerged installation ndash plug amp pump
Connect to the pipework plug into a power
outlet and yoursquore ready to pump
bull Suitable for submerged pumping from
water sources above or below ground level
SB2
YEARWARRANTY
SUBMERSIBLE BOOSTER
PUMP CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
WATER SOURCE APPLICATION
25 dB Max LOW NOISE
Household Water
Irrigation
Above Pump Level
Below Pump Level
SB-A with float switch
SB-AW with floating suction strainer and float switch
FLOAT SWITCH
External float that
turns your pump
on or off based
on the water level
- this prevents dry-running
CURRENT OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The single phase motor
will stop automatically if
a current overload event
occurs and will restart
once normal current is
restored - protecting
your motor from damage
THERMAL OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The single phase motor
will stop automatically
if it overheats and will
restart once it cools
down - protecting your
motor from damage
bull Able to pump down to just 3 mm of water making it perfect for emptying pools ponds wells or tanks
bull Suitable for fully or partially submerged use
bull High quality composite and stainless steel construction
bull Suitable for permanent installation or as a light weight portable pump
UNILIFT CC 2 YEAR
WARRANTY
SUBMERSIBLE DRAINAGE PUMP
CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
APPLICATIONWATER SOURCE
Clean Water Drainage
StormGrey Water HandlingClean Water Storm
Grey Water
FLOAT SWITCHExternal float that either turns your pump on or off based on the water level - this prevents overflowing and dry-running
SELF-COOLING MOTORThe pump is cooled by water being pumped protecting it
from overheating even when only partially submerged
MAXIMUM PARTICLE SIZE
Itrsquos a good idea to check your water source to make sure it doesnrsquot contain dirt fibres plant or other material larger than 10 mm If it does you might need a drainage pump capable of handling larger particle sizes like the onersquos below
10 mm
AP 1212
mm
AP 35 amp AP 35B35 mm
AP 50 amp AP 50B50 mm
bull Increased hot water pressure for a single outlet
bull Hygienic stainless steel construction throughout
bull Built-in controller so no extra wiring required keeping installation costs low
bull Ultra quiet operation that wonrsquot disturb your family
bull Option of automatic or manual operation
UPA N2 YEARWARRANTY
HOT WATER PRESSURE BOOSTERWATER SOURCE
APPLICATION
Hot Water
FIND SPACE FOR YOUR PUMPThe UPA N range has been designed to fit into confined spaces
See below the space required for installation
Mains Boosting
Model Pipe Connections Dimensions (mm)
A (Port to Port) B (h) C (w1) D (w2) E (d1) F (d2)
UPA N 15-9034rdquo
214160
5054
10323
AB
C DEF
Introducing our NEW A4 Product Flyers for each product
within our home and garden range These flyers focus on equipping the consumer with what they
need-to-know about a pump range
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ONLINE VERSION CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CM BOOSTER SELF-PRIMING FLYER
For more information about our new range of materials email marketing-augrundfoscom
The future in remote monitoring Yabby Sensors are an Australian-owned company specialising in technology supported complete water management solutions Their remote monitoring solutions provide data for asset tracking environmental monitoring irrigation control and level sensors for the agricultural and resource market sectors
Australian Made for the Australian Climate MATelec has more than 45 years of experience manufacturing pumpmotor control products and electrical accessories Their product range is vast and includes pump controllers motor controllers circulation controllers soft starters power distribution boards level alarms electrical accessories and more
High quality portable powered products Crommelins Machinery offers consistent strong and high-quality service and product support Their product range includes generators compacting and concreting tools cutting and drilling tools pressure cleaners pumps flooring tools ground care tools air equipment engines and general trade tools
Welcome to the familyThink Water Members benefit from partnerships with several industry-leading manufacturers and distributors
These companies are our Preferred Suppliers and we consider them as part of our family We promote innovation and sustainability within the industry and value suppliers with extensive technical expertise good logistical
and local support and top-quality products
We are advocates for our Preferred Suppliers and love what they do We are excited to welcome these companies to the Think Water Family and look forward to promoting excellence with them
Scan to contact Steve Dudgeon
Managing Director AU
Scan to Contact Bruce Pederick
State Manager AU
Scan to Contact Chloe Barrott
Marketing Manager NZ
Scan to Contact Steve Swingler
Account Manager AU
The designer water storage solution As the name suggests Designer Tanks offer a broad range of stylish above ground rainwater tanks that will present as a stylish feature in your garden These tanks are made from 100 recycled polyethylene and range in sizes from 300L to 1600L Accessories and connection kits also available
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
10 THINK TANK | April 2021
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
Buried in your business system is a large amount of information about your customers Not only is this information useful to better understand when and how much your customers buy from you but also their potential share of wallet and collectively your market share within your main service area
Once you extract this information and do some basic analysis it can give you some great insights into your customers
bull Identify new customers and then workout how effective your marketing spend is
bull Compare how existing customers are purchasing year on year
bull Identify key markets you operate in- intuitively you know this-
however there may also be other markets yoursquore missing out on that may not be obvious
bull Compare your data with external data (ABS and other data sources) to work out market share
This information is also valuable to guide you on strategic decisions such as marketing spend target markets and opening up new opportunities such as new product lines
How do I extract this informationThe simplest way to do this is to export top line sales history by customer for each year into an Excel spreadsheet Most systems export as a CSV file ndash which is easily handled in Excel
Once this data is downloaded it can then be cleaned up and sorted ndash if this is a step too far then we can assist
Once the data is cleaned you can then allocate a market segment to each customer such as horticulture broadacre cashpos local government schools residential cattle sheep dairy lifestyle basically what ever fits your business and location
To then do further work on the data councils ABS Stats NZ or other sources will have localised information on farm enterprise numbers this can give you a good picture of your local area
Gold in dataHow analysing your sales data from previous years can tell you about your customers and business
Phil Best Operations Manager AU
COMPLETE WATER SOLUTIONS ENHANCED BY TECHNOLOGY
Low powered and cost remote monitoring and control
wwwtheyabbycomau
12 THINK TANK | April 2021
Here at Think Water we aim to ensure all employees are given access to gaining essential skills that are required in the workplace Employers will find that allowing employees to access training results in increased performance and engagement from the team It will also lead to improved employee retention in the business This is why the National Support Office always aims to provide excellent training solutions for our Members and their teams
Think Waterrsquos Digital Hub provides all this and more It is a digital online learning platform that is fully subsidised by the NSO The Hub gets updated monthly with hundreds of new training videos which ensures new and exciting content each year
Our aim for 2021 is to provide courses that are relevant effective and inspiring to ensure users stay engaged We carefully select our training options by finding engaging interactive and useful resources for our Members
This year users will see great topics around personal growth and workplace skills along with our yearly compliance courses around workplace behaviour business interaction and health and safety
The platform host is also introducing a lot of great new tools focused on self-help and mindfulness This provides options for users to access books and mindfulness tools that may be useful in work and outside of work This is forming a holistic training solution for Think Water Members and their teams
Some great new training courses that have recently been added to the Hub include the following
bull Managing Stress and Building Resilience
bull Emerging Leader Award
bull Effective Communication and Sales Skills
bull Successful Project Management
Scan the QR code to access the Digital Hub If you need an account created please email Aimee directly
A holistic training solution
Easy LokTough jobs made easyJoin large bore metric pipe fast and reliably every time
PHI0910-0321
PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1 26221 332 pm26221 332 pm
Aimee Hewson Business Support (AU amp NZ) amp HR Trainee
Think Water Northern Rivers
In recent months Think Water Northern Rivers have undertaken the implementation of numerous software programs and hardware upgrades to increase effeciency within the business
Software introduced includes H2Go Microsoft Teams Microsoft Project Windows 10 PipeDrive AutoCAD Erica IrriCAD Mondaycom and Microsoft Visio
By implementing the collaborative online sharing communication platform Microsoft Teams for both staff and contractors the Team has since noticed tremendous improvements in effective communication Email has become less clogged with ldquoconversationsrdquo and more informative Each department has easy access to relevant information allowing them to communicate with each other external suppliers and customers with ease
A new file structure procedure has been introduced allowing all files to be stored and saved in a sensical fashion This new structure prompts data collection for jobs that may have been missed previously version control documents and synchronises how information is saved
As part of the project all computer hardware has been upgraded which was quite a staggering cost for the business but has been balanced out with less need for external IT
assistance Due to all staff using Windows 10 our workflow is more effecient troubleshooting is easier and can be performed inhouse therefore saving money This business manoeuvre has allowed the company to make the first step in migrating towards a cloud-based network the programs are running smoother processes faster and the maintenance is now less
Microsoft Project has been introduced to assist in developing schedules assigning resources to tasks tracking progress managing the budget and analysing workloads It is currently being used by the Team for the design process and workflow and will eventually include installation timelines as well
lsquoMondaycomrsquo has been inplemented to assist with outlining the progress of each stage of the project (design quote and installation) Although the Team comments that Microsoft Project is the most successful project planning platform they have used so far
H2Go (Ostendo) was one of the first software packages to be introduced and is the core of our business H2Go is designed to assist staff in focusing on the range of operational activities that generate revenue and profits within the business while giving your accounting software system something to account for The Team has mentioned lsquoit has been a challenge to adapt to the system but is proving to be far more capable than
expectedrdquo H2Go links well with Xero our accounting software and Tyro our EFTPOS terminal
PipeDrive a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform has been inplemented to track the progress of quotes to sales customer communication and gauge the amount of work coming up to plan installations PipeDrive is also useful for measuring sales performance and assisting with cashflow predictions You can access this software remotely and itrsquos known to be reasonably user-friendly while costing about $124month in subscription fees
AutoCAD Erica and IrriCAD have been introduced to assist with drawing irrigation system designs and installation plans These programs both link with Microsoft Teams for data sharing
Implementing Microsoft Visio has given us the ability to draw and document flow charts for customers and installation technicians It is important to note that the program needs to be set up properly to be successful within the work flow Microsoft Visio is a cloud-based program costing $950 which makes it easier to work collaboratively between office and offsite staff
Although the digital upgrade project has been costly at times and a steep learning curve Lee Rothwell is happy with the result and reports a successful implementation and many improvements within the business from all aspects
Upgrading to increase efficiency within our business
14 THINK TANK | April 2021
Businesses require structure to grow and be profitable Planning the structure of your business ensures there are enough resources to meet the companyrsquos goals and each employee understands the reporting hireachy
This article outlines some key points to consider when conducting your organisational structure review
Job Descriptions and Optimising EmployeesRegardless of the kind of structure an organisation uses itrsquos critical to clearly identify job descriptions so that employees are aware of what is expected of them In addition the structure may identify weak spots or deficiencies in the companyrsquos current management team
CommunicationGood structure allows for better communication Since the flow of information is essential to an organisationrsquos success the structure should be designed with clear lines of communication in mind
Clear Reporting Relationships
Employees need a clear understanding of who they are accountable to Otherwise responsibility for a task may fall through the cracks wersquove all seen that before Each employee benefits by knowing whom they can turn to for direction or help
Establishing and Attaining ObjectivesThe design of an organisation structure should be in line with achieving company goals The business should be structured to enable the employees to help the company reach its targets most effectively
Growth and ExpansionCompanies that grow rapidly are those that typically make the best use of their resources A sound organisation structure ensures that the company has the right people in the right positions A well-designed organisation structure facilitates the completion of all projects Completing projects successfully leads to business growth
Remaining Stable Yet Flexible to Promote Growth
An organisationrsquos structure needs to provide a stable work environment for employees If a company undertakes several organisational changes in a short period of time employees may feel nervous about their position in the company and may be distracted from their day-to-day tasks leading to a loss of productivity
However itrsquos essential that an organisation is flexible to adapt to changes that are out of its control For example key individuals within the company can leave and economic or environmental factors can affect the profitability of the business A well structured business will be nimble and shift organisationally to accommodate these challenges
If you would like assistance with the structure of your business please contact Chris or your Operations Manager directly to discuss
Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
A A P I N D U S T R I E S C O M A U
ENGINEERING
PLUMBING
IRRIGATION
FIRE PROTECTION
MINING
OIL amp GAS
15April 2021 | THINK TANK
Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
Team members whoserve as mentors
also report greaterjob satisfaction
and greater career success
Mentoring programs have a positive
track record for enhancing the effectiveness of a teamrsquos success
said they would stay at a company longer if they were offered
opportunities to learn and grow
of team members
94
mentoring had a positive impact on their profits
of businessesbelieve
55
an increase in productivity due
to mentoring
of businessesreported
67
Andrew Walker Operations Manager NZ
5Mentorship is a relationship between two people where the individual with more experience knowledge and connections can pass along what they have learned to a more junior team member within your business Keep in mind though the mentor and the mentee do not necessarily need to be in the same business for the mentorship to be successful
1 Define the programrsquos goalTo get started you need to define the parameters of your program and what you want to achieve from it These should typically be designed to nurture talent and improve performance provide benefit to the company and enhance personal growth This should also be focused on where the business will benefit most
2 Outline the process in the workplace
Well-organised programs offer structure and support to maximise the value to both the team and the business Each program will be different so itrsquos important to provide quick simple points to outline
a) How the program can be accessed
b) Who can be a mentor (what level of experience or qualifications are required)
c) The duration of the mentorship
d) The format One-to-one or group setting
e) How will the programrsquos success be tracked and measured
In the case of a franchise business such as Think Water the use of modern technology auch as lsquoMicrosoft Teamsrsquo (and the like) is a very cost-effective group communication platform
3 Select program participantsMentoring thrives on diversity If you want your program to be successful it needs a diverse set of mentors and mentees to share thoughts ideas and experiences By doing so both parties can identify strengths and weaknesses and how they can work together to improve
4 Match mentors and menteesThe strengths and weaknesses of a mentee should be complimented and balanced by those of a mentor To enable an inspiring experience itrsquos important to be mindful of who yoursquore pairing and why Mentees should be matched based on several criteria for instance
a) Diverse yet complementary interests
b) Compatible personality
c) Age group similarities
d) Experience skills and ideas that meet the menteersquos future career goals
5 Provide trainingBefore during and after the program you should provide mentors with ongoing training and development to help them support their mentees Mentors must also learn how to balance their own expectations and the company objectives
The main goal of a mentorship initiative is to prepare your team members with the necessary tools for success Having a structured and organised program will allow goal-oriented team members to further develop their skills The best part is yoursquore able to utilise the resources and connections your company already has
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
16 THINK TANK | April 2021
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
17April 2021 | THINK TANK
Think Water Hawkes Bay
We are pleased to announce the new General Manager of Think Water Hawkes Bay Mark Allan
Walking into this position in October of 2020 Mark claims to have no formal qualifications or irrigation experience and due to the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience already within the team he wonrsquot need it
Throughout his career Mark has had an assortment of management roles including an 18 year span at Toll where he managed a business unit that was awarded lsquoBranch of the Yearrsquo for nine years straight and achieved the best EBIT as a percentage of revenue for 14+ years
From his first day on the job Mark said that team have been outstanding Everyone is so honest and open enabling him to develop a high-level view of where the business is currently positioned He highlights
the undoubting commitment and trust shown by owners Mark Tremain and Anthony Waites in handing their business over to him He says he doesnrsquot underestimate the difficulty the change would be after years of making decisions themselves but appreciates it nonetheless
Mark Tremain mentioned ldquoI am expecting Mark will bring in processes and organisation to our business to assist with looking after the areas that are often forgotten about but in fact are the most importantrdquo
ldquoI have attempted to not change the world overnight as I am a realist around understanding the business firstrdquo said Mark
While in his newly appointed position of General Manager he intends to be solely focused on ldquoworking on the businessrdquo Mark mentions the team has made great progress with a newly established OHampS committee and
weekly operational meetings such as a Monday morning tool-box meeting
With future plans in place to implement procedures such as a CRM and other IT systems that will enable more streamlined processes and efficient workflows The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities which will hopefully result in the elimination of the lsquoJack of all trades master of nonersquo syndrome
Mark also states his intention to review HR with a key focus on staff performance management and setting target objectives to better develop his team and ultimately benefit the business
Another goal of his is to begin aligning both of the Hawkes Bay retail stores to give a consistency of outcome for customers Mark plans to utilise current trade data historical activity and customer feedback from both stores to provide a gold mine of information to review and learn from
bull Fully galvanised wallsbull Quality Polytoughreg liner
bull Heavy duty galvanised trussesbull Built to Australian building codes
1800 008 888 w w w b u s h m a n t a n k s c o m a u
Not just another cable company
Call or email for further information07 3856 6182 | technicalpowerflexcablescomau
Pump Control ndash Alternating or Parallel Alternated control of two pumps (or other devices)
Pump Control amp Level Monitoring 10 different functions in one very compact device
Welcome to the team Mark Allan
ldquoTo achieve our goals we will be engaging with the team to explain lsquowhyrsquo something needs to change
not just that it is lsquochangingrsquordquo
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
18 THINK TANK | April 2021
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
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I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost Free
What it does IrriSAT is an online weather based irrigation scheduling service which is used to inform farmers how much water their crop has used and how much irrigation they need to apply
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost Starts at $20 per month
What it does Loopy Loyalty is an online platform that allows you to create a loyalty program for your customers The system is easy to use and can be custom branded to your business
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost From $15 per user per month Free limited version available
What it does Grammarly is a software plugin that highlights spelling and grammar mistakes when installed on your device Intergrates with word processing and email software on all devices
Device PC Tablet Mobile
Cost From $1250 per user per month Free limited version available
What it does Trello is a cloud based project management tool that allows you to assign jobs track progress automate and more It can be accessed on any device and integrates with many other software including Microsoft Teams
IrriSAT
Now that you have a few ideas to get started letrsquos look at some areas that can be improved by digital transformation
Sales Wouldnrsquot it be great to have software that kept track of your stock levels talked to your accountant and was controllable from one place Well take the time to check out H2GO the sales software custom designed for Think Water businesses itrsquos a great place to start when digitising your business
H2GO is continually developed and evolved for Think Water Members you can read more about it on page 19
Human ResourcesHow do you keep track of your staff and their details How do you handle policies Why not talk to NSO about an online HR platform that integrates with your accounting software and keeps you updated on the latest legislation while keeping track of your staff details
CommunicationCommunication is the key to all relationships whether itrsquos your team or your customers getting it right is essential How are your internal phone systems looking Is there a contact point for every staff member How do your customers reach you Do you have message bank or an answering service How do customers contact you after hours
There are a number of software platforms that offer a solution for communication such as WhatsApp Teams Slack and Skype Improving communication within your team will have a positive impact on your customers At NSO we use Microsoft Teams as a communication tool why not have a chat with us to see how it improves our work flow
Transport TrackingHow do you keep track of the vehicles within your business Do you still use the good old log book in the glove box Paper records are a simple way to manage things but they can get lost very easily Take a look at vehicle tracking software that uses GPS to provide accurate details on when and where your vehicles are These can be as simple as a GPS device in the vehicle or an app on a mobile phone
MarketingPreviously marketing was limited to press adverts billboards radio television direct mail or signage These days digital marketing enables us to get our brand in front of more customers more often and sometimes at a cheaper price
There are many cloud based apps to assist with digital artwork including Canva and Adobe Spark You can also use tools like MailChimp to send electronic mail and Google Analytics to track customer actions
Talk to the Marketing Coordinator at NSO for assistance with digitising your marketing
Customer Relations With so many customer requests on the go at any given time it can be a real challenge to keep up with what is happening By using a Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) you and your team can easily be across all customers comings and goings
There are hundreds of CRM packages on the market including HubSpot Zoho Pipedrive Salesforce and more We recommend choosing one that integrates with existing software
Stationery ExpensesPens paper receipt books and printer inktoner all cost money Imagine the savings from running a paper free office Not to mention the benefits for the environment By using devices and software such as iPads and digital forms you can reduce the environmental footprint of your business and the cost of consumables
So now you have some great ideas and tips on how you can start the digital transformation of your business Take your time plan your journey and remember there isnrsquot any need to reinvent the wheel talk to the team at NSO to discover the best tool for your challenge
5April 2021 | THINK TANK
With travel restrictions still somewhat uncertain between Australia and New Zealand we are working on a plan to ensure this yearsrsquo conference will be going ahead
Please save the following dates in your calendar to avoid missing out
Further information and agenda will be released to all Members and Preferred Suppliers after 1 June 2021
Cairns Australia
5 to 8 August 2021
Queenstown New Zealand
29 July 2021 to 1 August 2021
2021 Think Water Conference
SAVE THE DATE
Custom Designed ERP Software Allowing
you to Regain Control of Your Business
Click here or talk to your Operations Manager for more information
6 THINK TANK | April 2021
LINE
0800 353 966 | wwwaquaspecconzOur range of manual disc filtration with the patentedAZUD HELIX guarantees maximum filtration safety
OPTIMISES
FILTRATION
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABLE RECYCLABLE AND STYLISH
Phone 027 328 5191 wwwdesignertanksconz
RAIN WATER COLLECTION TANKS
Choose from a wide variety ofbull TANKSbull DOWNPIPE DIVERTERSbull TAPS amp ACCESSORIES
The Choice Is Clear
PUMPS FILTERS CHLORINATORS LIGHTS AUTOMATION CHEMICALSCLEANERS
wwwhydroflowconzordershydroflowconz
For more information on this product visit hydroflowconz or scan the qr code
The TankBuddy draws clean water from the top of the tank reducing the risk of drawing contimated water
APEX TANK BUDDYFloating Tank Inlet
1800 281 282 | wwwmatelecaustral iacomau
COMPLETEPUMP amp MOTORCONTROL SOLUTIONSCONCEPT gt DESIGN gt MANUFACTURE gt APPLICATION READY
The Think Water Academy is back After eighteen months of planning and locking in dates then cancelling or changing them due to travel restrictions and snap lock downs we eventually got the Academy up and running with it kicking off in early March 2021
This years Think Water Academy had a total of 13 students enrolled from various stores throughout Australia and New Zealand and two students from New Zealand Preferred Supplier Hydroflow
We are also excited to announce that eight of these students have signed up to complete the newly released full Certificate III in Irrigation Technology (AHC32419) Trade
There are many good reasons for providing training to our Members and their teams they including
bull Improved employee performance
bull addressing weaknesses and turning them into strengths
bull increased productivity and
bull reduced employee turnover
The new Think Water Academy has been specifically tailored to our Members business needs and has relevance back to the Certificate III competencies The Academy training includes a specific focus on key areas such as water treatment soil analysis and types irrigation design pumps and hydraulics
Enrolling in the full Certificate III will give students training in areas such as electrofusion and butt welding travelling irrigators mains water connection for irrigation and electrical connectdisconnect
Why the changeThere has been a major ldquoshiftrdquo away from the ldquosupplierrdquo training format to the new competency based format This was driven by the introduction of the new Certificate III trade the registered training organisation the Irrigation Association of Australia and the needs of our Members
The old format although it was full of great content and trainers it did not really provide our Members or the trainees with anything concrete to hang their hats on Yes they
learnt but what formal qualifications did they gain The new format contains certified modules that go towards gaining federally recognised competencies in key areas of our industry and markets Ultimately the NSO and our Members agreed that there is no point or value investing a large amount of funds into non-competency-based training
We all know that the industry is aging throughout Australia and New Zealand and how hard it is attracting and retaining good people Now is the time to encourage our people to stay in the industry and develop into the next generation of Think Water business owners
In support of this evolution we recognise the need to have a solid foundation in place for our training solutions that covers the NSO and our Members
For more information about the Academy contact Chris directly or check out the training section of the Members Portal
Success for the Think Water Academy
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
infomaitcomauPh 1300 739 920
Weather station
Valve control amp soil monitoring
Pump monitoring amp control
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR WATER WITH iNTELLiTROLreg
Valve control amp soil monitoring
8 THINK TANK | April 2021
THE BEST HOMES ARE GRUNDFOS HOMES
NEW HOME amp GARDEN RANGE BROCHURE
Our NEW Home amp Garden Range brochure contains sizing and
selection information about our full range of domestic water supply
wastewater amp drainage and hot water amp heating products
NEW HOME amp GARDEN A4 FLYERS
bull Inverter technology delivers perfect pressure to all taps
bull Suitable for pumping from water sources above and below
the level of the pump including from below ground tanks
bull Intelligent controller allows for pressure adjustment at the
touch of a button
bull Very quiet operation that wonrsquot disturb your
family or neighbours
bull Tough weather resistant outer casing houses the pump
motor and the controller
bull Easy installation ndash plug amp pump ndash Simply connect to the
pipework prime the pump plug into a power outlet and
yoursquore ready to pump
SCALA22
YEARWARRANTY
ALL-IN-ONE SELF-PRIMING BOOSTER
WITH INVERTER TECHNOLOGY
DRY-RUN PROTECTION
The pump will be stopped if no
water is detected at the inlet
preventing internal damage
and protecting your motor
from damage
ANTI-CYCLING
PROTECTION
The pump will be stopped and
alarm activated if it repeatedly
turns on and off over a short
period of time (called lsquocyclingrsquo)
which could indicate a leaking
pipe or dripping tap
AUTO STARTSTOP
The pump will automatically
start and stop when outlets
(eg taps) are turned on or off
GRUNDFOS EYE
Provides dynamic pump status
operator feedback such as
power on pump running and
any alarms or faults
PUMP CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
Above
Pump Level
Below
Pump Level
Mains
Water
Household
WaterIrrigation
Mains
Boosting
WATER SOURCEAPPLICATION
47 dB Max LOW NOISE
Subject to local legislation
bull Includes float switch for automatic operation
and dry run protection
bull Virtually silent submerged operation that
wonrsquot that wonrsquot disturb your family or
neighbours
bull Easy submerged installation ndash plug amp pump
Connect to the pipework plug into a power
outlet and yoursquore ready to pump
bull Suitable for submerged pumping from
water sources above or below ground level
SB2
YEARWARRANTY
SUBMERSIBLE BOOSTER
PUMP CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
WATER SOURCE APPLICATION
25 dB Max LOW NOISE
Household Water
Irrigation
Above Pump Level
Below Pump Level
SB-A with float switch
SB-AW with floating suction strainer and float switch
FLOAT SWITCH
External float that
turns your pump
on or off based
on the water level
- this prevents dry-running
CURRENT OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The single phase motor
will stop automatically if
a current overload event
occurs and will restart
once normal current is
restored - protecting
your motor from damage
THERMAL OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The single phase motor
will stop automatically
if it overheats and will
restart once it cools
down - protecting your
motor from damage
bull Able to pump down to just 3 mm of water making it perfect for emptying pools ponds wells or tanks
bull Suitable for fully or partially submerged use
bull High quality composite and stainless steel construction
bull Suitable for permanent installation or as a light weight portable pump
UNILIFT CC 2 YEAR
WARRANTY
SUBMERSIBLE DRAINAGE PUMP
CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
APPLICATIONWATER SOURCE
Clean Water Drainage
StormGrey Water HandlingClean Water Storm
Grey Water
FLOAT SWITCHExternal float that either turns your pump on or off based on the water level - this prevents overflowing and dry-running
SELF-COOLING MOTORThe pump is cooled by water being pumped protecting it
from overheating even when only partially submerged
MAXIMUM PARTICLE SIZE
Itrsquos a good idea to check your water source to make sure it doesnrsquot contain dirt fibres plant or other material larger than 10 mm If it does you might need a drainage pump capable of handling larger particle sizes like the onersquos below
10 mm
AP 1212
mm
AP 35 amp AP 35B35 mm
AP 50 amp AP 50B50 mm
bull Increased hot water pressure for a single outlet
bull Hygienic stainless steel construction throughout
bull Built-in controller so no extra wiring required keeping installation costs low
bull Ultra quiet operation that wonrsquot disturb your family
bull Option of automatic or manual operation
UPA N2 YEARWARRANTY
HOT WATER PRESSURE BOOSTERWATER SOURCE
APPLICATION
Hot Water
FIND SPACE FOR YOUR PUMPThe UPA N range has been designed to fit into confined spaces
See below the space required for installation
Mains Boosting
Model Pipe Connections Dimensions (mm)
A (Port to Port) B (h) C (w1) D (w2) E (d1) F (d2)
UPA N 15-9034rdquo
214160
5054
10323
AB
C DEF
Introducing our NEW A4 Product Flyers for each product
within our home and garden range These flyers focus on equipping the consumer with what they
need-to-know about a pump range
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ONLINE VERSION CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CM BOOSTER SELF-PRIMING FLYER
For more information about our new range of materials email marketing-augrundfoscom
The future in remote monitoring Yabby Sensors are an Australian-owned company specialising in technology supported complete water management solutions Their remote monitoring solutions provide data for asset tracking environmental monitoring irrigation control and level sensors for the agricultural and resource market sectors
Australian Made for the Australian Climate MATelec has more than 45 years of experience manufacturing pumpmotor control products and electrical accessories Their product range is vast and includes pump controllers motor controllers circulation controllers soft starters power distribution boards level alarms electrical accessories and more
High quality portable powered products Crommelins Machinery offers consistent strong and high-quality service and product support Their product range includes generators compacting and concreting tools cutting and drilling tools pressure cleaners pumps flooring tools ground care tools air equipment engines and general trade tools
Welcome to the familyThink Water Members benefit from partnerships with several industry-leading manufacturers and distributors
These companies are our Preferred Suppliers and we consider them as part of our family We promote innovation and sustainability within the industry and value suppliers with extensive technical expertise good logistical
and local support and top-quality products
We are advocates for our Preferred Suppliers and love what they do We are excited to welcome these companies to the Think Water Family and look forward to promoting excellence with them
Scan to contact Steve Dudgeon
Managing Director AU
Scan to Contact Bruce Pederick
State Manager AU
Scan to Contact Chloe Barrott
Marketing Manager NZ
Scan to Contact Steve Swingler
Account Manager AU
The designer water storage solution As the name suggests Designer Tanks offer a broad range of stylish above ground rainwater tanks that will present as a stylish feature in your garden These tanks are made from 100 recycled polyethylene and range in sizes from 300L to 1600L Accessories and connection kits also available
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
10 THINK TANK | April 2021
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
Buried in your business system is a large amount of information about your customers Not only is this information useful to better understand when and how much your customers buy from you but also their potential share of wallet and collectively your market share within your main service area
Once you extract this information and do some basic analysis it can give you some great insights into your customers
bull Identify new customers and then workout how effective your marketing spend is
bull Compare how existing customers are purchasing year on year
bull Identify key markets you operate in- intuitively you know this-
however there may also be other markets yoursquore missing out on that may not be obvious
bull Compare your data with external data (ABS and other data sources) to work out market share
This information is also valuable to guide you on strategic decisions such as marketing spend target markets and opening up new opportunities such as new product lines
How do I extract this informationThe simplest way to do this is to export top line sales history by customer for each year into an Excel spreadsheet Most systems export as a CSV file ndash which is easily handled in Excel
Once this data is downloaded it can then be cleaned up and sorted ndash if this is a step too far then we can assist
Once the data is cleaned you can then allocate a market segment to each customer such as horticulture broadacre cashpos local government schools residential cattle sheep dairy lifestyle basically what ever fits your business and location
To then do further work on the data councils ABS Stats NZ or other sources will have localised information on farm enterprise numbers this can give you a good picture of your local area
Gold in dataHow analysing your sales data from previous years can tell you about your customers and business
Phil Best Operations Manager AU
COMPLETE WATER SOLUTIONS ENHANCED BY TECHNOLOGY
Low powered and cost remote monitoring and control
wwwtheyabbycomau
12 THINK TANK | April 2021
Here at Think Water we aim to ensure all employees are given access to gaining essential skills that are required in the workplace Employers will find that allowing employees to access training results in increased performance and engagement from the team It will also lead to improved employee retention in the business This is why the National Support Office always aims to provide excellent training solutions for our Members and their teams
Think Waterrsquos Digital Hub provides all this and more It is a digital online learning platform that is fully subsidised by the NSO The Hub gets updated monthly with hundreds of new training videos which ensures new and exciting content each year
Our aim for 2021 is to provide courses that are relevant effective and inspiring to ensure users stay engaged We carefully select our training options by finding engaging interactive and useful resources for our Members
This year users will see great topics around personal growth and workplace skills along with our yearly compliance courses around workplace behaviour business interaction and health and safety
The platform host is also introducing a lot of great new tools focused on self-help and mindfulness This provides options for users to access books and mindfulness tools that may be useful in work and outside of work This is forming a holistic training solution for Think Water Members and their teams
Some great new training courses that have recently been added to the Hub include the following
bull Managing Stress and Building Resilience
bull Emerging Leader Award
bull Effective Communication and Sales Skills
bull Successful Project Management
Scan the QR code to access the Digital Hub If you need an account created please email Aimee directly
A holistic training solution
Easy LokTough jobs made easyJoin large bore metric pipe fast and reliably every time
PHI0910-0321
PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1 26221 332 pm26221 332 pm
Aimee Hewson Business Support (AU amp NZ) amp HR Trainee
Think Water Northern Rivers
In recent months Think Water Northern Rivers have undertaken the implementation of numerous software programs and hardware upgrades to increase effeciency within the business
Software introduced includes H2Go Microsoft Teams Microsoft Project Windows 10 PipeDrive AutoCAD Erica IrriCAD Mondaycom and Microsoft Visio
By implementing the collaborative online sharing communication platform Microsoft Teams for both staff and contractors the Team has since noticed tremendous improvements in effective communication Email has become less clogged with ldquoconversationsrdquo and more informative Each department has easy access to relevant information allowing them to communicate with each other external suppliers and customers with ease
A new file structure procedure has been introduced allowing all files to be stored and saved in a sensical fashion This new structure prompts data collection for jobs that may have been missed previously version control documents and synchronises how information is saved
As part of the project all computer hardware has been upgraded which was quite a staggering cost for the business but has been balanced out with less need for external IT
assistance Due to all staff using Windows 10 our workflow is more effecient troubleshooting is easier and can be performed inhouse therefore saving money This business manoeuvre has allowed the company to make the first step in migrating towards a cloud-based network the programs are running smoother processes faster and the maintenance is now less
Microsoft Project has been introduced to assist in developing schedules assigning resources to tasks tracking progress managing the budget and analysing workloads It is currently being used by the Team for the design process and workflow and will eventually include installation timelines as well
lsquoMondaycomrsquo has been inplemented to assist with outlining the progress of each stage of the project (design quote and installation) Although the Team comments that Microsoft Project is the most successful project planning platform they have used so far
H2Go (Ostendo) was one of the first software packages to be introduced and is the core of our business H2Go is designed to assist staff in focusing on the range of operational activities that generate revenue and profits within the business while giving your accounting software system something to account for The Team has mentioned lsquoit has been a challenge to adapt to the system but is proving to be far more capable than
expectedrdquo H2Go links well with Xero our accounting software and Tyro our EFTPOS terminal
PipeDrive a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform has been inplemented to track the progress of quotes to sales customer communication and gauge the amount of work coming up to plan installations PipeDrive is also useful for measuring sales performance and assisting with cashflow predictions You can access this software remotely and itrsquos known to be reasonably user-friendly while costing about $124month in subscription fees
AutoCAD Erica and IrriCAD have been introduced to assist with drawing irrigation system designs and installation plans These programs both link with Microsoft Teams for data sharing
Implementing Microsoft Visio has given us the ability to draw and document flow charts for customers and installation technicians It is important to note that the program needs to be set up properly to be successful within the work flow Microsoft Visio is a cloud-based program costing $950 which makes it easier to work collaboratively between office and offsite staff
Although the digital upgrade project has been costly at times and a steep learning curve Lee Rothwell is happy with the result and reports a successful implementation and many improvements within the business from all aspects
Upgrading to increase efficiency within our business
14 THINK TANK | April 2021
Businesses require structure to grow and be profitable Planning the structure of your business ensures there are enough resources to meet the companyrsquos goals and each employee understands the reporting hireachy
This article outlines some key points to consider when conducting your organisational structure review
Job Descriptions and Optimising EmployeesRegardless of the kind of structure an organisation uses itrsquos critical to clearly identify job descriptions so that employees are aware of what is expected of them In addition the structure may identify weak spots or deficiencies in the companyrsquos current management team
CommunicationGood structure allows for better communication Since the flow of information is essential to an organisationrsquos success the structure should be designed with clear lines of communication in mind
Clear Reporting Relationships
Employees need a clear understanding of who they are accountable to Otherwise responsibility for a task may fall through the cracks wersquove all seen that before Each employee benefits by knowing whom they can turn to for direction or help
Establishing and Attaining ObjectivesThe design of an organisation structure should be in line with achieving company goals The business should be structured to enable the employees to help the company reach its targets most effectively
Growth and ExpansionCompanies that grow rapidly are those that typically make the best use of their resources A sound organisation structure ensures that the company has the right people in the right positions A well-designed organisation structure facilitates the completion of all projects Completing projects successfully leads to business growth
Remaining Stable Yet Flexible to Promote Growth
An organisationrsquos structure needs to provide a stable work environment for employees If a company undertakes several organisational changes in a short period of time employees may feel nervous about their position in the company and may be distracted from their day-to-day tasks leading to a loss of productivity
However itrsquos essential that an organisation is flexible to adapt to changes that are out of its control For example key individuals within the company can leave and economic or environmental factors can affect the profitability of the business A well structured business will be nimble and shift organisationally to accommodate these challenges
If you would like assistance with the structure of your business please contact Chris or your Operations Manager directly to discuss
Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
A A P I N D U S T R I E S C O M A U
ENGINEERING
PLUMBING
IRRIGATION
FIRE PROTECTION
MINING
OIL amp GAS
15April 2021 | THINK TANK
Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
Team members whoserve as mentors
also report greaterjob satisfaction
and greater career success
Mentoring programs have a positive
track record for enhancing the effectiveness of a teamrsquos success
said they would stay at a company longer if they were offered
opportunities to learn and grow
of team members
94
mentoring had a positive impact on their profits
of businessesbelieve
55
an increase in productivity due
to mentoring
of businessesreported
67
Andrew Walker Operations Manager NZ
5Mentorship is a relationship between two people where the individual with more experience knowledge and connections can pass along what they have learned to a more junior team member within your business Keep in mind though the mentor and the mentee do not necessarily need to be in the same business for the mentorship to be successful
1 Define the programrsquos goalTo get started you need to define the parameters of your program and what you want to achieve from it These should typically be designed to nurture talent and improve performance provide benefit to the company and enhance personal growth This should also be focused on where the business will benefit most
2 Outline the process in the workplace
Well-organised programs offer structure and support to maximise the value to both the team and the business Each program will be different so itrsquos important to provide quick simple points to outline
a) How the program can be accessed
b) Who can be a mentor (what level of experience or qualifications are required)
c) The duration of the mentorship
d) The format One-to-one or group setting
e) How will the programrsquos success be tracked and measured
In the case of a franchise business such as Think Water the use of modern technology auch as lsquoMicrosoft Teamsrsquo (and the like) is a very cost-effective group communication platform
3 Select program participantsMentoring thrives on diversity If you want your program to be successful it needs a diverse set of mentors and mentees to share thoughts ideas and experiences By doing so both parties can identify strengths and weaknesses and how they can work together to improve
4 Match mentors and menteesThe strengths and weaknesses of a mentee should be complimented and balanced by those of a mentor To enable an inspiring experience itrsquos important to be mindful of who yoursquore pairing and why Mentees should be matched based on several criteria for instance
a) Diverse yet complementary interests
b) Compatible personality
c) Age group similarities
d) Experience skills and ideas that meet the menteersquos future career goals
5 Provide trainingBefore during and after the program you should provide mentors with ongoing training and development to help them support their mentees Mentors must also learn how to balance their own expectations and the company objectives
The main goal of a mentorship initiative is to prepare your team members with the necessary tools for success Having a structured and organised program will allow goal-oriented team members to further develop their skills The best part is yoursquore able to utilise the resources and connections your company already has
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
16 THINK TANK | April 2021
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
17April 2021 | THINK TANK
Think Water Hawkes Bay
We are pleased to announce the new General Manager of Think Water Hawkes Bay Mark Allan
Walking into this position in October of 2020 Mark claims to have no formal qualifications or irrigation experience and due to the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience already within the team he wonrsquot need it
Throughout his career Mark has had an assortment of management roles including an 18 year span at Toll where he managed a business unit that was awarded lsquoBranch of the Yearrsquo for nine years straight and achieved the best EBIT as a percentage of revenue for 14+ years
From his first day on the job Mark said that team have been outstanding Everyone is so honest and open enabling him to develop a high-level view of where the business is currently positioned He highlights
the undoubting commitment and trust shown by owners Mark Tremain and Anthony Waites in handing their business over to him He says he doesnrsquot underestimate the difficulty the change would be after years of making decisions themselves but appreciates it nonetheless
Mark Tremain mentioned ldquoI am expecting Mark will bring in processes and organisation to our business to assist with looking after the areas that are often forgotten about but in fact are the most importantrdquo
ldquoI have attempted to not change the world overnight as I am a realist around understanding the business firstrdquo said Mark
While in his newly appointed position of General Manager he intends to be solely focused on ldquoworking on the businessrdquo Mark mentions the team has made great progress with a newly established OHampS committee and
weekly operational meetings such as a Monday morning tool-box meeting
With future plans in place to implement procedures such as a CRM and other IT systems that will enable more streamlined processes and efficient workflows The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities which will hopefully result in the elimination of the lsquoJack of all trades master of nonersquo syndrome
Mark also states his intention to review HR with a key focus on staff performance management and setting target objectives to better develop his team and ultimately benefit the business
Another goal of his is to begin aligning both of the Hawkes Bay retail stores to give a consistency of outcome for customers Mark plans to utilise current trade data historical activity and customer feedback from both stores to provide a gold mine of information to review and learn from
bull Fully galvanised wallsbull Quality Polytoughreg liner
bull Heavy duty galvanised trussesbull Built to Australian building codes
1800 008 888 w w w b u s h m a n t a n k s c o m a u
Not just another cable company
Call or email for further information07 3856 6182 | technicalpowerflexcablescomau
Pump Control ndash Alternating or Parallel Alternated control of two pumps (or other devices)
Pump Control amp Level Monitoring 10 different functions in one very compact device
Welcome to the team Mark Allan
ldquoTo achieve our goals we will be engaging with the team to explain lsquowhyrsquo something needs to change
not just that it is lsquochangingrsquordquo
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
18 THINK TANK | April 2021
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
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The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
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Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
With travel restrictions still somewhat uncertain between Australia and New Zealand we are working on a plan to ensure this yearsrsquo conference will be going ahead
Please save the following dates in your calendar to avoid missing out
Further information and agenda will be released to all Members and Preferred Suppliers after 1 June 2021
Cairns Australia
5 to 8 August 2021
Queenstown New Zealand
29 July 2021 to 1 August 2021
2021 Think Water Conference
SAVE THE DATE
Custom Designed ERP Software Allowing
you to Regain Control of Your Business
Click here or talk to your Operations Manager for more information
6 THINK TANK | April 2021
LINE
0800 353 966 | wwwaquaspecconzOur range of manual disc filtration with the patentedAZUD HELIX guarantees maximum filtration safety
OPTIMISES
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PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABLE RECYCLABLE AND STYLISH
Phone 027 328 5191 wwwdesignertanksconz
RAIN WATER COLLECTION TANKS
Choose from a wide variety ofbull TANKSbull DOWNPIPE DIVERTERSbull TAPS amp ACCESSORIES
The Choice Is Clear
PUMPS FILTERS CHLORINATORS LIGHTS AUTOMATION CHEMICALSCLEANERS
wwwhydroflowconzordershydroflowconz
For more information on this product visit hydroflowconz or scan the qr code
The TankBuddy draws clean water from the top of the tank reducing the risk of drawing contimated water
APEX TANK BUDDYFloating Tank Inlet
1800 281 282 | wwwmatelecaustral iacomau
COMPLETEPUMP amp MOTORCONTROL SOLUTIONSCONCEPT gt DESIGN gt MANUFACTURE gt APPLICATION READY
The Think Water Academy is back After eighteen months of planning and locking in dates then cancelling or changing them due to travel restrictions and snap lock downs we eventually got the Academy up and running with it kicking off in early March 2021
This years Think Water Academy had a total of 13 students enrolled from various stores throughout Australia and New Zealand and two students from New Zealand Preferred Supplier Hydroflow
We are also excited to announce that eight of these students have signed up to complete the newly released full Certificate III in Irrigation Technology (AHC32419) Trade
There are many good reasons for providing training to our Members and their teams they including
bull Improved employee performance
bull addressing weaknesses and turning them into strengths
bull increased productivity and
bull reduced employee turnover
The new Think Water Academy has been specifically tailored to our Members business needs and has relevance back to the Certificate III competencies The Academy training includes a specific focus on key areas such as water treatment soil analysis and types irrigation design pumps and hydraulics
Enrolling in the full Certificate III will give students training in areas such as electrofusion and butt welding travelling irrigators mains water connection for irrigation and electrical connectdisconnect
Why the changeThere has been a major ldquoshiftrdquo away from the ldquosupplierrdquo training format to the new competency based format This was driven by the introduction of the new Certificate III trade the registered training organisation the Irrigation Association of Australia and the needs of our Members
The old format although it was full of great content and trainers it did not really provide our Members or the trainees with anything concrete to hang their hats on Yes they
learnt but what formal qualifications did they gain The new format contains certified modules that go towards gaining federally recognised competencies in key areas of our industry and markets Ultimately the NSO and our Members agreed that there is no point or value investing a large amount of funds into non-competency-based training
We all know that the industry is aging throughout Australia and New Zealand and how hard it is attracting and retaining good people Now is the time to encourage our people to stay in the industry and develop into the next generation of Think Water business owners
In support of this evolution we recognise the need to have a solid foundation in place for our training solutions that covers the NSO and our Members
For more information about the Academy contact Chris directly or check out the training section of the Members Portal
Success for the Think Water Academy
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
infomaitcomauPh 1300 739 920
Weather station
Valve control amp soil monitoring
Pump monitoring amp control
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR WATER WITH iNTELLiTROLreg
Valve control amp soil monitoring
8 THINK TANK | April 2021
THE BEST HOMES ARE GRUNDFOS HOMES
NEW HOME amp GARDEN RANGE BROCHURE
Our NEW Home amp Garden Range brochure contains sizing and
selection information about our full range of domestic water supply
wastewater amp drainage and hot water amp heating products
NEW HOME amp GARDEN A4 FLYERS
bull Inverter technology delivers perfect pressure to all taps
bull Suitable for pumping from water sources above and below
the level of the pump including from below ground tanks
bull Intelligent controller allows for pressure adjustment at the
touch of a button
bull Very quiet operation that wonrsquot disturb your
family or neighbours
bull Tough weather resistant outer casing houses the pump
motor and the controller
bull Easy installation ndash plug amp pump ndash Simply connect to the
pipework prime the pump plug into a power outlet and
yoursquore ready to pump
SCALA22
YEARWARRANTY
ALL-IN-ONE SELF-PRIMING BOOSTER
WITH INVERTER TECHNOLOGY
DRY-RUN PROTECTION
The pump will be stopped if no
water is detected at the inlet
preventing internal damage
and protecting your motor
from damage
ANTI-CYCLING
PROTECTION
The pump will be stopped and
alarm activated if it repeatedly
turns on and off over a short
period of time (called lsquocyclingrsquo)
which could indicate a leaking
pipe or dripping tap
AUTO STARTSTOP
The pump will automatically
start and stop when outlets
(eg taps) are turned on or off
GRUNDFOS EYE
Provides dynamic pump status
operator feedback such as
power on pump running and
any alarms or faults
PUMP CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
Above
Pump Level
Below
Pump Level
Mains
Water
Household
WaterIrrigation
Mains
Boosting
WATER SOURCEAPPLICATION
47 dB Max LOW NOISE
Subject to local legislation
bull Includes float switch for automatic operation
and dry run protection
bull Virtually silent submerged operation that
wonrsquot that wonrsquot disturb your family or
neighbours
bull Easy submerged installation ndash plug amp pump
Connect to the pipework plug into a power
outlet and yoursquore ready to pump
bull Suitable for submerged pumping from
water sources above or below ground level
SB2
YEARWARRANTY
SUBMERSIBLE BOOSTER
PUMP CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
WATER SOURCE APPLICATION
25 dB Max LOW NOISE
Household Water
Irrigation
Above Pump Level
Below Pump Level
SB-A with float switch
SB-AW with floating suction strainer and float switch
FLOAT SWITCH
External float that
turns your pump
on or off based
on the water level
- this prevents dry-running
CURRENT OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The single phase motor
will stop automatically if
a current overload event
occurs and will restart
once normal current is
restored - protecting
your motor from damage
THERMAL OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The single phase motor
will stop automatically
if it overheats and will
restart once it cools
down - protecting your
motor from damage
bull Able to pump down to just 3 mm of water making it perfect for emptying pools ponds wells or tanks
bull Suitable for fully or partially submerged use
bull High quality composite and stainless steel construction
bull Suitable for permanent installation or as a light weight portable pump
UNILIFT CC 2 YEAR
WARRANTY
SUBMERSIBLE DRAINAGE PUMP
CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
APPLICATIONWATER SOURCE
Clean Water Drainage
StormGrey Water HandlingClean Water Storm
Grey Water
FLOAT SWITCHExternal float that either turns your pump on or off based on the water level - this prevents overflowing and dry-running
SELF-COOLING MOTORThe pump is cooled by water being pumped protecting it
from overheating even when only partially submerged
MAXIMUM PARTICLE SIZE
Itrsquos a good idea to check your water source to make sure it doesnrsquot contain dirt fibres plant or other material larger than 10 mm If it does you might need a drainage pump capable of handling larger particle sizes like the onersquos below
10 mm
AP 1212
mm
AP 35 amp AP 35B35 mm
AP 50 amp AP 50B50 mm
bull Increased hot water pressure for a single outlet
bull Hygienic stainless steel construction throughout
bull Built-in controller so no extra wiring required keeping installation costs low
bull Ultra quiet operation that wonrsquot disturb your family
bull Option of automatic or manual operation
UPA N2 YEARWARRANTY
HOT WATER PRESSURE BOOSTERWATER SOURCE
APPLICATION
Hot Water
FIND SPACE FOR YOUR PUMPThe UPA N range has been designed to fit into confined spaces
See below the space required for installation
Mains Boosting
Model Pipe Connections Dimensions (mm)
A (Port to Port) B (h) C (w1) D (w2) E (d1) F (d2)
UPA N 15-9034rdquo
214160
5054
10323
AB
C DEF
Introducing our NEW A4 Product Flyers for each product
within our home and garden range These flyers focus on equipping the consumer with what they
need-to-know about a pump range
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ONLINE VERSION CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CM BOOSTER SELF-PRIMING FLYER
For more information about our new range of materials email marketing-augrundfoscom
The future in remote monitoring Yabby Sensors are an Australian-owned company specialising in technology supported complete water management solutions Their remote monitoring solutions provide data for asset tracking environmental monitoring irrigation control and level sensors for the agricultural and resource market sectors
Australian Made for the Australian Climate MATelec has more than 45 years of experience manufacturing pumpmotor control products and electrical accessories Their product range is vast and includes pump controllers motor controllers circulation controllers soft starters power distribution boards level alarms electrical accessories and more
High quality portable powered products Crommelins Machinery offers consistent strong and high-quality service and product support Their product range includes generators compacting and concreting tools cutting and drilling tools pressure cleaners pumps flooring tools ground care tools air equipment engines and general trade tools
Welcome to the familyThink Water Members benefit from partnerships with several industry-leading manufacturers and distributors
These companies are our Preferred Suppliers and we consider them as part of our family We promote innovation and sustainability within the industry and value suppliers with extensive technical expertise good logistical
and local support and top-quality products
We are advocates for our Preferred Suppliers and love what they do We are excited to welcome these companies to the Think Water Family and look forward to promoting excellence with them
Scan to contact Steve Dudgeon
Managing Director AU
Scan to Contact Bruce Pederick
State Manager AU
Scan to Contact Chloe Barrott
Marketing Manager NZ
Scan to Contact Steve Swingler
Account Manager AU
The designer water storage solution As the name suggests Designer Tanks offer a broad range of stylish above ground rainwater tanks that will present as a stylish feature in your garden These tanks are made from 100 recycled polyethylene and range in sizes from 300L to 1600L Accessories and connection kits also available
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
10 THINK TANK | April 2021
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
Buried in your business system is a large amount of information about your customers Not only is this information useful to better understand when and how much your customers buy from you but also their potential share of wallet and collectively your market share within your main service area
Once you extract this information and do some basic analysis it can give you some great insights into your customers
bull Identify new customers and then workout how effective your marketing spend is
bull Compare how existing customers are purchasing year on year
bull Identify key markets you operate in- intuitively you know this-
however there may also be other markets yoursquore missing out on that may not be obvious
bull Compare your data with external data (ABS and other data sources) to work out market share
This information is also valuable to guide you on strategic decisions such as marketing spend target markets and opening up new opportunities such as new product lines
How do I extract this informationThe simplest way to do this is to export top line sales history by customer for each year into an Excel spreadsheet Most systems export as a CSV file ndash which is easily handled in Excel
Once this data is downloaded it can then be cleaned up and sorted ndash if this is a step too far then we can assist
Once the data is cleaned you can then allocate a market segment to each customer such as horticulture broadacre cashpos local government schools residential cattle sheep dairy lifestyle basically what ever fits your business and location
To then do further work on the data councils ABS Stats NZ or other sources will have localised information on farm enterprise numbers this can give you a good picture of your local area
Gold in dataHow analysing your sales data from previous years can tell you about your customers and business
Phil Best Operations Manager AU
COMPLETE WATER SOLUTIONS ENHANCED BY TECHNOLOGY
Low powered and cost remote monitoring and control
wwwtheyabbycomau
12 THINK TANK | April 2021
Here at Think Water we aim to ensure all employees are given access to gaining essential skills that are required in the workplace Employers will find that allowing employees to access training results in increased performance and engagement from the team It will also lead to improved employee retention in the business This is why the National Support Office always aims to provide excellent training solutions for our Members and their teams
Think Waterrsquos Digital Hub provides all this and more It is a digital online learning platform that is fully subsidised by the NSO The Hub gets updated monthly with hundreds of new training videos which ensures new and exciting content each year
Our aim for 2021 is to provide courses that are relevant effective and inspiring to ensure users stay engaged We carefully select our training options by finding engaging interactive and useful resources for our Members
This year users will see great topics around personal growth and workplace skills along with our yearly compliance courses around workplace behaviour business interaction and health and safety
The platform host is also introducing a lot of great new tools focused on self-help and mindfulness This provides options for users to access books and mindfulness tools that may be useful in work and outside of work This is forming a holistic training solution for Think Water Members and their teams
Some great new training courses that have recently been added to the Hub include the following
bull Managing Stress and Building Resilience
bull Emerging Leader Award
bull Effective Communication and Sales Skills
bull Successful Project Management
Scan the QR code to access the Digital Hub If you need an account created please email Aimee directly
A holistic training solution
Easy LokTough jobs made easyJoin large bore metric pipe fast and reliably every time
PHI0910-0321
PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1 26221 332 pm26221 332 pm
Aimee Hewson Business Support (AU amp NZ) amp HR Trainee
Think Water Northern Rivers
In recent months Think Water Northern Rivers have undertaken the implementation of numerous software programs and hardware upgrades to increase effeciency within the business
Software introduced includes H2Go Microsoft Teams Microsoft Project Windows 10 PipeDrive AutoCAD Erica IrriCAD Mondaycom and Microsoft Visio
By implementing the collaborative online sharing communication platform Microsoft Teams for both staff and contractors the Team has since noticed tremendous improvements in effective communication Email has become less clogged with ldquoconversationsrdquo and more informative Each department has easy access to relevant information allowing them to communicate with each other external suppliers and customers with ease
A new file structure procedure has been introduced allowing all files to be stored and saved in a sensical fashion This new structure prompts data collection for jobs that may have been missed previously version control documents and synchronises how information is saved
As part of the project all computer hardware has been upgraded which was quite a staggering cost for the business but has been balanced out with less need for external IT
assistance Due to all staff using Windows 10 our workflow is more effecient troubleshooting is easier and can be performed inhouse therefore saving money This business manoeuvre has allowed the company to make the first step in migrating towards a cloud-based network the programs are running smoother processes faster and the maintenance is now less
Microsoft Project has been introduced to assist in developing schedules assigning resources to tasks tracking progress managing the budget and analysing workloads It is currently being used by the Team for the design process and workflow and will eventually include installation timelines as well
lsquoMondaycomrsquo has been inplemented to assist with outlining the progress of each stage of the project (design quote and installation) Although the Team comments that Microsoft Project is the most successful project planning platform they have used so far
H2Go (Ostendo) was one of the first software packages to be introduced and is the core of our business H2Go is designed to assist staff in focusing on the range of operational activities that generate revenue and profits within the business while giving your accounting software system something to account for The Team has mentioned lsquoit has been a challenge to adapt to the system but is proving to be far more capable than
expectedrdquo H2Go links well with Xero our accounting software and Tyro our EFTPOS terminal
PipeDrive a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform has been inplemented to track the progress of quotes to sales customer communication and gauge the amount of work coming up to plan installations PipeDrive is also useful for measuring sales performance and assisting with cashflow predictions You can access this software remotely and itrsquos known to be reasonably user-friendly while costing about $124month in subscription fees
AutoCAD Erica and IrriCAD have been introduced to assist with drawing irrigation system designs and installation plans These programs both link with Microsoft Teams for data sharing
Implementing Microsoft Visio has given us the ability to draw and document flow charts for customers and installation technicians It is important to note that the program needs to be set up properly to be successful within the work flow Microsoft Visio is a cloud-based program costing $950 which makes it easier to work collaboratively between office and offsite staff
Although the digital upgrade project has been costly at times and a steep learning curve Lee Rothwell is happy with the result and reports a successful implementation and many improvements within the business from all aspects
Upgrading to increase efficiency within our business
14 THINK TANK | April 2021
Businesses require structure to grow and be profitable Planning the structure of your business ensures there are enough resources to meet the companyrsquos goals and each employee understands the reporting hireachy
This article outlines some key points to consider when conducting your organisational structure review
Job Descriptions and Optimising EmployeesRegardless of the kind of structure an organisation uses itrsquos critical to clearly identify job descriptions so that employees are aware of what is expected of them In addition the structure may identify weak spots or deficiencies in the companyrsquos current management team
CommunicationGood structure allows for better communication Since the flow of information is essential to an organisationrsquos success the structure should be designed with clear lines of communication in mind
Clear Reporting Relationships
Employees need a clear understanding of who they are accountable to Otherwise responsibility for a task may fall through the cracks wersquove all seen that before Each employee benefits by knowing whom they can turn to for direction or help
Establishing and Attaining ObjectivesThe design of an organisation structure should be in line with achieving company goals The business should be structured to enable the employees to help the company reach its targets most effectively
Growth and ExpansionCompanies that grow rapidly are those that typically make the best use of their resources A sound organisation structure ensures that the company has the right people in the right positions A well-designed organisation structure facilitates the completion of all projects Completing projects successfully leads to business growth
Remaining Stable Yet Flexible to Promote Growth
An organisationrsquos structure needs to provide a stable work environment for employees If a company undertakes several organisational changes in a short period of time employees may feel nervous about their position in the company and may be distracted from their day-to-day tasks leading to a loss of productivity
However itrsquos essential that an organisation is flexible to adapt to changes that are out of its control For example key individuals within the company can leave and economic or environmental factors can affect the profitability of the business A well structured business will be nimble and shift organisationally to accommodate these challenges
If you would like assistance with the structure of your business please contact Chris or your Operations Manager directly to discuss
Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
A A P I N D U S T R I E S C O M A U
ENGINEERING
PLUMBING
IRRIGATION
FIRE PROTECTION
MINING
OIL amp GAS
15April 2021 | THINK TANK
Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
Team members whoserve as mentors
also report greaterjob satisfaction
and greater career success
Mentoring programs have a positive
track record for enhancing the effectiveness of a teamrsquos success
said they would stay at a company longer if they were offered
opportunities to learn and grow
of team members
94
mentoring had a positive impact on their profits
of businessesbelieve
55
an increase in productivity due
to mentoring
of businessesreported
67
Andrew Walker Operations Manager NZ
5Mentorship is a relationship between two people where the individual with more experience knowledge and connections can pass along what they have learned to a more junior team member within your business Keep in mind though the mentor and the mentee do not necessarily need to be in the same business for the mentorship to be successful
1 Define the programrsquos goalTo get started you need to define the parameters of your program and what you want to achieve from it These should typically be designed to nurture talent and improve performance provide benefit to the company and enhance personal growth This should also be focused on where the business will benefit most
2 Outline the process in the workplace
Well-organised programs offer structure and support to maximise the value to both the team and the business Each program will be different so itrsquos important to provide quick simple points to outline
a) How the program can be accessed
b) Who can be a mentor (what level of experience or qualifications are required)
c) The duration of the mentorship
d) The format One-to-one or group setting
e) How will the programrsquos success be tracked and measured
In the case of a franchise business such as Think Water the use of modern technology auch as lsquoMicrosoft Teamsrsquo (and the like) is a very cost-effective group communication platform
3 Select program participantsMentoring thrives on diversity If you want your program to be successful it needs a diverse set of mentors and mentees to share thoughts ideas and experiences By doing so both parties can identify strengths and weaknesses and how they can work together to improve
4 Match mentors and menteesThe strengths and weaknesses of a mentee should be complimented and balanced by those of a mentor To enable an inspiring experience itrsquos important to be mindful of who yoursquore pairing and why Mentees should be matched based on several criteria for instance
a) Diverse yet complementary interests
b) Compatible personality
c) Age group similarities
d) Experience skills and ideas that meet the menteersquos future career goals
5 Provide trainingBefore during and after the program you should provide mentors with ongoing training and development to help them support their mentees Mentors must also learn how to balance their own expectations and the company objectives
The main goal of a mentorship initiative is to prepare your team members with the necessary tools for success Having a structured and organised program will allow goal-oriented team members to further develop their skills The best part is yoursquore able to utilise the resources and connections your company already has
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
16 THINK TANK | April 2021
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
17April 2021 | THINK TANK
Think Water Hawkes Bay
We are pleased to announce the new General Manager of Think Water Hawkes Bay Mark Allan
Walking into this position in October of 2020 Mark claims to have no formal qualifications or irrigation experience and due to the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience already within the team he wonrsquot need it
Throughout his career Mark has had an assortment of management roles including an 18 year span at Toll where he managed a business unit that was awarded lsquoBranch of the Yearrsquo for nine years straight and achieved the best EBIT as a percentage of revenue for 14+ years
From his first day on the job Mark said that team have been outstanding Everyone is so honest and open enabling him to develop a high-level view of where the business is currently positioned He highlights
the undoubting commitment and trust shown by owners Mark Tremain and Anthony Waites in handing their business over to him He says he doesnrsquot underestimate the difficulty the change would be after years of making decisions themselves but appreciates it nonetheless
Mark Tremain mentioned ldquoI am expecting Mark will bring in processes and organisation to our business to assist with looking after the areas that are often forgotten about but in fact are the most importantrdquo
ldquoI have attempted to not change the world overnight as I am a realist around understanding the business firstrdquo said Mark
While in his newly appointed position of General Manager he intends to be solely focused on ldquoworking on the businessrdquo Mark mentions the team has made great progress with a newly established OHampS committee and
weekly operational meetings such as a Monday morning tool-box meeting
With future plans in place to implement procedures such as a CRM and other IT systems that will enable more streamlined processes and efficient workflows The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities which will hopefully result in the elimination of the lsquoJack of all trades master of nonersquo syndrome
Mark also states his intention to review HR with a key focus on staff performance management and setting target objectives to better develop his team and ultimately benefit the business
Another goal of his is to begin aligning both of the Hawkes Bay retail stores to give a consistency of outcome for customers Mark plans to utilise current trade data historical activity and customer feedback from both stores to provide a gold mine of information to review and learn from
bull Fully galvanised wallsbull Quality Polytoughreg liner
bull Heavy duty galvanised trussesbull Built to Australian building codes
1800 008 888 w w w b u s h m a n t a n k s c o m a u
Not just another cable company
Call or email for further information07 3856 6182 | technicalpowerflexcablescomau
Pump Control ndash Alternating or Parallel Alternated control of two pumps (or other devices)
Pump Control amp Level Monitoring 10 different functions in one very compact device
Welcome to the team Mark Allan
ldquoTo achieve our goals we will be engaging with the team to explain lsquowhyrsquo something needs to change
not just that it is lsquochangingrsquordquo
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
18 THINK TANK | April 2021
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FREE CALL 1800 531 847
SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
LINE
0800 353 966 | wwwaquaspecconzOur range of manual disc filtration with the patentedAZUD HELIX guarantees maximum filtration safety
OPTIMISES
FILTRATION
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABLE RECYCLABLE AND STYLISH
Phone 027 328 5191 wwwdesignertanksconz
RAIN WATER COLLECTION TANKS
Choose from a wide variety ofbull TANKSbull DOWNPIPE DIVERTERSbull TAPS amp ACCESSORIES
The Choice Is Clear
PUMPS FILTERS CHLORINATORS LIGHTS AUTOMATION CHEMICALSCLEANERS
wwwhydroflowconzordershydroflowconz
For more information on this product visit hydroflowconz or scan the qr code
The TankBuddy draws clean water from the top of the tank reducing the risk of drawing contimated water
APEX TANK BUDDYFloating Tank Inlet
1800 281 282 | wwwmatelecaustral iacomau
COMPLETEPUMP amp MOTORCONTROL SOLUTIONSCONCEPT gt DESIGN gt MANUFACTURE gt APPLICATION READY
The Think Water Academy is back After eighteen months of planning and locking in dates then cancelling or changing them due to travel restrictions and snap lock downs we eventually got the Academy up and running with it kicking off in early March 2021
This years Think Water Academy had a total of 13 students enrolled from various stores throughout Australia and New Zealand and two students from New Zealand Preferred Supplier Hydroflow
We are also excited to announce that eight of these students have signed up to complete the newly released full Certificate III in Irrigation Technology (AHC32419) Trade
There are many good reasons for providing training to our Members and their teams they including
bull Improved employee performance
bull addressing weaknesses and turning them into strengths
bull increased productivity and
bull reduced employee turnover
The new Think Water Academy has been specifically tailored to our Members business needs and has relevance back to the Certificate III competencies The Academy training includes a specific focus on key areas such as water treatment soil analysis and types irrigation design pumps and hydraulics
Enrolling in the full Certificate III will give students training in areas such as electrofusion and butt welding travelling irrigators mains water connection for irrigation and electrical connectdisconnect
Why the changeThere has been a major ldquoshiftrdquo away from the ldquosupplierrdquo training format to the new competency based format This was driven by the introduction of the new Certificate III trade the registered training organisation the Irrigation Association of Australia and the needs of our Members
The old format although it was full of great content and trainers it did not really provide our Members or the trainees with anything concrete to hang their hats on Yes they
learnt but what formal qualifications did they gain The new format contains certified modules that go towards gaining federally recognised competencies in key areas of our industry and markets Ultimately the NSO and our Members agreed that there is no point or value investing a large amount of funds into non-competency-based training
We all know that the industry is aging throughout Australia and New Zealand and how hard it is attracting and retaining good people Now is the time to encourage our people to stay in the industry and develop into the next generation of Think Water business owners
In support of this evolution we recognise the need to have a solid foundation in place for our training solutions that covers the NSO and our Members
For more information about the Academy contact Chris directly or check out the training section of the Members Portal
Success for the Think Water Academy
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
infomaitcomauPh 1300 739 920
Weather station
Valve control amp soil monitoring
Pump monitoring amp control
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR WATER WITH iNTELLiTROLreg
Valve control amp soil monitoring
8 THINK TANK | April 2021
THE BEST HOMES ARE GRUNDFOS HOMES
NEW HOME amp GARDEN RANGE BROCHURE
Our NEW Home amp Garden Range brochure contains sizing and
selection information about our full range of domestic water supply
wastewater amp drainage and hot water amp heating products
NEW HOME amp GARDEN A4 FLYERS
bull Inverter technology delivers perfect pressure to all taps
bull Suitable for pumping from water sources above and below
the level of the pump including from below ground tanks
bull Intelligent controller allows for pressure adjustment at the
touch of a button
bull Very quiet operation that wonrsquot disturb your
family or neighbours
bull Tough weather resistant outer casing houses the pump
motor and the controller
bull Easy installation ndash plug amp pump ndash Simply connect to the
pipework prime the pump plug into a power outlet and
yoursquore ready to pump
SCALA22
YEARWARRANTY
ALL-IN-ONE SELF-PRIMING BOOSTER
WITH INVERTER TECHNOLOGY
DRY-RUN PROTECTION
The pump will be stopped if no
water is detected at the inlet
preventing internal damage
and protecting your motor
from damage
ANTI-CYCLING
PROTECTION
The pump will be stopped and
alarm activated if it repeatedly
turns on and off over a short
period of time (called lsquocyclingrsquo)
which could indicate a leaking
pipe or dripping tap
AUTO STARTSTOP
The pump will automatically
start and stop when outlets
(eg taps) are turned on or off
GRUNDFOS EYE
Provides dynamic pump status
operator feedback such as
power on pump running and
any alarms or faults
PUMP CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
Above
Pump Level
Below
Pump Level
Mains
Water
Household
WaterIrrigation
Mains
Boosting
WATER SOURCEAPPLICATION
47 dB Max LOW NOISE
Subject to local legislation
bull Includes float switch for automatic operation
and dry run protection
bull Virtually silent submerged operation that
wonrsquot that wonrsquot disturb your family or
neighbours
bull Easy submerged installation ndash plug amp pump
Connect to the pipework plug into a power
outlet and yoursquore ready to pump
bull Suitable for submerged pumping from
water sources above or below ground level
SB2
YEARWARRANTY
SUBMERSIBLE BOOSTER
PUMP CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
WATER SOURCE APPLICATION
25 dB Max LOW NOISE
Household Water
Irrigation
Above Pump Level
Below Pump Level
SB-A with float switch
SB-AW with floating suction strainer and float switch
FLOAT SWITCH
External float that
turns your pump
on or off based
on the water level
- this prevents dry-running
CURRENT OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The single phase motor
will stop automatically if
a current overload event
occurs and will restart
once normal current is
restored - protecting
your motor from damage
THERMAL OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The single phase motor
will stop automatically
if it overheats and will
restart once it cools
down - protecting your
motor from damage
bull Able to pump down to just 3 mm of water making it perfect for emptying pools ponds wells or tanks
bull Suitable for fully or partially submerged use
bull High quality composite and stainless steel construction
bull Suitable for permanent installation or as a light weight portable pump
UNILIFT CC 2 YEAR
WARRANTY
SUBMERSIBLE DRAINAGE PUMP
CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
APPLICATIONWATER SOURCE
Clean Water Drainage
StormGrey Water HandlingClean Water Storm
Grey Water
FLOAT SWITCHExternal float that either turns your pump on or off based on the water level - this prevents overflowing and dry-running
SELF-COOLING MOTORThe pump is cooled by water being pumped protecting it
from overheating even when only partially submerged
MAXIMUM PARTICLE SIZE
Itrsquos a good idea to check your water source to make sure it doesnrsquot contain dirt fibres plant or other material larger than 10 mm If it does you might need a drainage pump capable of handling larger particle sizes like the onersquos below
10 mm
AP 1212
mm
AP 35 amp AP 35B35 mm
AP 50 amp AP 50B50 mm
bull Increased hot water pressure for a single outlet
bull Hygienic stainless steel construction throughout
bull Built-in controller so no extra wiring required keeping installation costs low
bull Ultra quiet operation that wonrsquot disturb your family
bull Option of automatic or manual operation
UPA N2 YEARWARRANTY
HOT WATER PRESSURE BOOSTERWATER SOURCE
APPLICATION
Hot Water
FIND SPACE FOR YOUR PUMPThe UPA N range has been designed to fit into confined spaces
See below the space required for installation
Mains Boosting
Model Pipe Connections Dimensions (mm)
A (Port to Port) B (h) C (w1) D (w2) E (d1) F (d2)
UPA N 15-9034rdquo
214160
5054
10323
AB
C DEF
Introducing our NEW A4 Product Flyers for each product
within our home and garden range These flyers focus on equipping the consumer with what they
need-to-know about a pump range
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ONLINE VERSION CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CM BOOSTER SELF-PRIMING FLYER
For more information about our new range of materials email marketing-augrundfoscom
The future in remote monitoring Yabby Sensors are an Australian-owned company specialising in technology supported complete water management solutions Their remote monitoring solutions provide data for asset tracking environmental monitoring irrigation control and level sensors for the agricultural and resource market sectors
Australian Made for the Australian Climate MATelec has more than 45 years of experience manufacturing pumpmotor control products and electrical accessories Their product range is vast and includes pump controllers motor controllers circulation controllers soft starters power distribution boards level alarms electrical accessories and more
High quality portable powered products Crommelins Machinery offers consistent strong and high-quality service and product support Their product range includes generators compacting and concreting tools cutting and drilling tools pressure cleaners pumps flooring tools ground care tools air equipment engines and general trade tools
Welcome to the familyThink Water Members benefit from partnerships with several industry-leading manufacturers and distributors
These companies are our Preferred Suppliers and we consider them as part of our family We promote innovation and sustainability within the industry and value suppliers with extensive technical expertise good logistical
and local support and top-quality products
We are advocates for our Preferred Suppliers and love what they do We are excited to welcome these companies to the Think Water Family and look forward to promoting excellence with them
Scan to contact Steve Dudgeon
Managing Director AU
Scan to Contact Bruce Pederick
State Manager AU
Scan to Contact Chloe Barrott
Marketing Manager NZ
Scan to Contact Steve Swingler
Account Manager AU
The designer water storage solution As the name suggests Designer Tanks offer a broad range of stylish above ground rainwater tanks that will present as a stylish feature in your garden These tanks are made from 100 recycled polyethylene and range in sizes from 300L to 1600L Accessories and connection kits also available
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
10 THINK TANK | April 2021
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
Buried in your business system is a large amount of information about your customers Not only is this information useful to better understand when and how much your customers buy from you but also their potential share of wallet and collectively your market share within your main service area
Once you extract this information and do some basic analysis it can give you some great insights into your customers
bull Identify new customers and then workout how effective your marketing spend is
bull Compare how existing customers are purchasing year on year
bull Identify key markets you operate in- intuitively you know this-
however there may also be other markets yoursquore missing out on that may not be obvious
bull Compare your data with external data (ABS and other data sources) to work out market share
This information is also valuable to guide you on strategic decisions such as marketing spend target markets and opening up new opportunities such as new product lines
How do I extract this informationThe simplest way to do this is to export top line sales history by customer for each year into an Excel spreadsheet Most systems export as a CSV file ndash which is easily handled in Excel
Once this data is downloaded it can then be cleaned up and sorted ndash if this is a step too far then we can assist
Once the data is cleaned you can then allocate a market segment to each customer such as horticulture broadacre cashpos local government schools residential cattle sheep dairy lifestyle basically what ever fits your business and location
To then do further work on the data councils ABS Stats NZ or other sources will have localised information on farm enterprise numbers this can give you a good picture of your local area
Gold in dataHow analysing your sales data from previous years can tell you about your customers and business
Phil Best Operations Manager AU
COMPLETE WATER SOLUTIONS ENHANCED BY TECHNOLOGY
Low powered and cost remote monitoring and control
wwwtheyabbycomau
12 THINK TANK | April 2021
Here at Think Water we aim to ensure all employees are given access to gaining essential skills that are required in the workplace Employers will find that allowing employees to access training results in increased performance and engagement from the team It will also lead to improved employee retention in the business This is why the National Support Office always aims to provide excellent training solutions for our Members and their teams
Think Waterrsquos Digital Hub provides all this and more It is a digital online learning platform that is fully subsidised by the NSO The Hub gets updated monthly with hundreds of new training videos which ensures new and exciting content each year
Our aim for 2021 is to provide courses that are relevant effective and inspiring to ensure users stay engaged We carefully select our training options by finding engaging interactive and useful resources for our Members
This year users will see great topics around personal growth and workplace skills along with our yearly compliance courses around workplace behaviour business interaction and health and safety
The platform host is also introducing a lot of great new tools focused on self-help and mindfulness This provides options for users to access books and mindfulness tools that may be useful in work and outside of work This is forming a holistic training solution for Think Water Members and their teams
Some great new training courses that have recently been added to the Hub include the following
bull Managing Stress and Building Resilience
bull Emerging Leader Award
bull Effective Communication and Sales Skills
bull Successful Project Management
Scan the QR code to access the Digital Hub If you need an account created please email Aimee directly
A holistic training solution
Easy LokTough jobs made easyJoin large bore metric pipe fast and reliably every time
PHI0910-0321
PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1 26221 332 pm26221 332 pm
Aimee Hewson Business Support (AU amp NZ) amp HR Trainee
Think Water Northern Rivers
In recent months Think Water Northern Rivers have undertaken the implementation of numerous software programs and hardware upgrades to increase effeciency within the business
Software introduced includes H2Go Microsoft Teams Microsoft Project Windows 10 PipeDrive AutoCAD Erica IrriCAD Mondaycom and Microsoft Visio
By implementing the collaborative online sharing communication platform Microsoft Teams for both staff and contractors the Team has since noticed tremendous improvements in effective communication Email has become less clogged with ldquoconversationsrdquo and more informative Each department has easy access to relevant information allowing them to communicate with each other external suppliers and customers with ease
A new file structure procedure has been introduced allowing all files to be stored and saved in a sensical fashion This new structure prompts data collection for jobs that may have been missed previously version control documents and synchronises how information is saved
As part of the project all computer hardware has been upgraded which was quite a staggering cost for the business but has been balanced out with less need for external IT
assistance Due to all staff using Windows 10 our workflow is more effecient troubleshooting is easier and can be performed inhouse therefore saving money This business manoeuvre has allowed the company to make the first step in migrating towards a cloud-based network the programs are running smoother processes faster and the maintenance is now less
Microsoft Project has been introduced to assist in developing schedules assigning resources to tasks tracking progress managing the budget and analysing workloads It is currently being used by the Team for the design process and workflow and will eventually include installation timelines as well
lsquoMondaycomrsquo has been inplemented to assist with outlining the progress of each stage of the project (design quote and installation) Although the Team comments that Microsoft Project is the most successful project planning platform they have used so far
H2Go (Ostendo) was one of the first software packages to be introduced and is the core of our business H2Go is designed to assist staff in focusing on the range of operational activities that generate revenue and profits within the business while giving your accounting software system something to account for The Team has mentioned lsquoit has been a challenge to adapt to the system but is proving to be far more capable than
expectedrdquo H2Go links well with Xero our accounting software and Tyro our EFTPOS terminal
PipeDrive a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform has been inplemented to track the progress of quotes to sales customer communication and gauge the amount of work coming up to plan installations PipeDrive is also useful for measuring sales performance and assisting with cashflow predictions You can access this software remotely and itrsquos known to be reasonably user-friendly while costing about $124month in subscription fees
AutoCAD Erica and IrriCAD have been introduced to assist with drawing irrigation system designs and installation plans These programs both link with Microsoft Teams for data sharing
Implementing Microsoft Visio has given us the ability to draw and document flow charts for customers and installation technicians It is important to note that the program needs to be set up properly to be successful within the work flow Microsoft Visio is a cloud-based program costing $950 which makes it easier to work collaboratively between office and offsite staff
Although the digital upgrade project has been costly at times and a steep learning curve Lee Rothwell is happy with the result and reports a successful implementation and many improvements within the business from all aspects
Upgrading to increase efficiency within our business
14 THINK TANK | April 2021
Businesses require structure to grow and be profitable Planning the structure of your business ensures there are enough resources to meet the companyrsquos goals and each employee understands the reporting hireachy
This article outlines some key points to consider when conducting your organisational structure review
Job Descriptions and Optimising EmployeesRegardless of the kind of structure an organisation uses itrsquos critical to clearly identify job descriptions so that employees are aware of what is expected of them In addition the structure may identify weak spots or deficiencies in the companyrsquos current management team
CommunicationGood structure allows for better communication Since the flow of information is essential to an organisationrsquos success the structure should be designed with clear lines of communication in mind
Clear Reporting Relationships
Employees need a clear understanding of who they are accountable to Otherwise responsibility for a task may fall through the cracks wersquove all seen that before Each employee benefits by knowing whom they can turn to for direction or help
Establishing and Attaining ObjectivesThe design of an organisation structure should be in line with achieving company goals The business should be structured to enable the employees to help the company reach its targets most effectively
Growth and ExpansionCompanies that grow rapidly are those that typically make the best use of their resources A sound organisation structure ensures that the company has the right people in the right positions A well-designed organisation structure facilitates the completion of all projects Completing projects successfully leads to business growth
Remaining Stable Yet Flexible to Promote Growth
An organisationrsquos structure needs to provide a stable work environment for employees If a company undertakes several organisational changes in a short period of time employees may feel nervous about their position in the company and may be distracted from their day-to-day tasks leading to a loss of productivity
However itrsquos essential that an organisation is flexible to adapt to changes that are out of its control For example key individuals within the company can leave and economic or environmental factors can affect the profitability of the business A well structured business will be nimble and shift organisationally to accommodate these challenges
If you would like assistance with the structure of your business please contact Chris or your Operations Manager directly to discuss
Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
A A P I N D U S T R I E S C O M A U
ENGINEERING
PLUMBING
IRRIGATION
FIRE PROTECTION
MINING
OIL amp GAS
15April 2021 | THINK TANK
Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
Team members whoserve as mentors
also report greaterjob satisfaction
and greater career success
Mentoring programs have a positive
track record for enhancing the effectiveness of a teamrsquos success
said they would stay at a company longer if they were offered
opportunities to learn and grow
of team members
94
mentoring had a positive impact on their profits
of businessesbelieve
55
an increase in productivity due
to mentoring
of businessesreported
67
Andrew Walker Operations Manager NZ
5Mentorship is a relationship between two people where the individual with more experience knowledge and connections can pass along what they have learned to a more junior team member within your business Keep in mind though the mentor and the mentee do not necessarily need to be in the same business for the mentorship to be successful
1 Define the programrsquos goalTo get started you need to define the parameters of your program and what you want to achieve from it These should typically be designed to nurture talent and improve performance provide benefit to the company and enhance personal growth This should also be focused on where the business will benefit most
2 Outline the process in the workplace
Well-organised programs offer structure and support to maximise the value to both the team and the business Each program will be different so itrsquos important to provide quick simple points to outline
a) How the program can be accessed
b) Who can be a mentor (what level of experience or qualifications are required)
c) The duration of the mentorship
d) The format One-to-one or group setting
e) How will the programrsquos success be tracked and measured
In the case of a franchise business such as Think Water the use of modern technology auch as lsquoMicrosoft Teamsrsquo (and the like) is a very cost-effective group communication platform
3 Select program participantsMentoring thrives on diversity If you want your program to be successful it needs a diverse set of mentors and mentees to share thoughts ideas and experiences By doing so both parties can identify strengths and weaknesses and how they can work together to improve
4 Match mentors and menteesThe strengths and weaknesses of a mentee should be complimented and balanced by those of a mentor To enable an inspiring experience itrsquos important to be mindful of who yoursquore pairing and why Mentees should be matched based on several criteria for instance
a) Diverse yet complementary interests
b) Compatible personality
c) Age group similarities
d) Experience skills and ideas that meet the menteersquos future career goals
5 Provide trainingBefore during and after the program you should provide mentors with ongoing training and development to help them support their mentees Mentors must also learn how to balance their own expectations and the company objectives
The main goal of a mentorship initiative is to prepare your team members with the necessary tools for success Having a structured and organised program will allow goal-oriented team members to further develop their skills The best part is yoursquore able to utilise the resources and connections your company already has
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
16 THINK TANK | April 2021
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
17April 2021 | THINK TANK
Think Water Hawkes Bay
We are pleased to announce the new General Manager of Think Water Hawkes Bay Mark Allan
Walking into this position in October of 2020 Mark claims to have no formal qualifications or irrigation experience and due to the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience already within the team he wonrsquot need it
Throughout his career Mark has had an assortment of management roles including an 18 year span at Toll where he managed a business unit that was awarded lsquoBranch of the Yearrsquo for nine years straight and achieved the best EBIT as a percentage of revenue for 14+ years
From his first day on the job Mark said that team have been outstanding Everyone is so honest and open enabling him to develop a high-level view of where the business is currently positioned He highlights
the undoubting commitment and trust shown by owners Mark Tremain and Anthony Waites in handing their business over to him He says he doesnrsquot underestimate the difficulty the change would be after years of making decisions themselves but appreciates it nonetheless
Mark Tremain mentioned ldquoI am expecting Mark will bring in processes and organisation to our business to assist with looking after the areas that are often forgotten about but in fact are the most importantrdquo
ldquoI have attempted to not change the world overnight as I am a realist around understanding the business firstrdquo said Mark
While in his newly appointed position of General Manager he intends to be solely focused on ldquoworking on the businessrdquo Mark mentions the team has made great progress with a newly established OHampS committee and
weekly operational meetings such as a Monday morning tool-box meeting
With future plans in place to implement procedures such as a CRM and other IT systems that will enable more streamlined processes and efficient workflows The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities which will hopefully result in the elimination of the lsquoJack of all trades master of nonersquo syndrome
Mark also states his intention to review HR with a key focus on staff performance management and setting target objectives to better develop his team and ultimately benefit the business
Another goal of his is to begin aligning both of the Hawkes Bay retail stores to give a consistency of outcome for customers Mark plans to utilise current trade data historical activity and customer feedback from both stores to provide a gold mine of information to review and learn from
bull Fully galvanised wallsbull Quality Polytoughreg liner
bull Heavy duty galvanised trussesbull Built to Australian building codes
1800 008 888 w w w b u s h m a n t a n k s c o m a u
Not just another cable company
Call or email for further information07 3856 6182 | technicalpowerflexcablescomau
Pump Control ndash Alternating or Parallel Alternated control of two pumps (or other devices)
Pump Control amp Level Monitoring 10 different functions in one very compact device
Welcome to the team Mark Allan
ldquoTo achieve our goals we will be engaging with the team to explain lsquowhyrsquo something needs to change
not just that it is lsquochangingrsquordquo
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
18 THINK TANK | April 2021
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FREE CALL 1800 531 847
SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
The Think Water Academy is back After eighteen months of planning and locking in dates then cancelling or changing them due to travel restrictions and snap lock downs we eventually got the Academy up and running with it kicking off in early March 2021
This years Think Water Academy had a total of 13 students enrolled from various stores throughout Australia and New Zealand and two students from New Zealand Preferred Supplier Hydroflow
We are also excited to announce that eight of these students have signed up to complete the newly released full Certificate III in Irrigation Technology (AHC32419) Trade
There are many good reasons for providing training to our Members and their teams they including
bull Improved employee performance
bull addressing weaknesses and turning them into strengths
bull increased productivity and
bull reduced employee turnover
The new Think Water Academy has been specifically tailored to our Members business needs and has relevance back to the Certificate III competencies The Academy training includes a specific focus on key areas such as water treatment soil analysis and types irrigation design pumps and hydraulics
Enrolling in the full Certificate III will give students training in areas such as electrofusion and butt welding travelling irrigators mains water connection for irrigation and electrical connectdisconnect
Why the changeThere has been a major ldquoshiftrdquo away from the ldquosupplierrdquo training format to the new competency based format This was driven by the introduction of the new Certificate III trade the registered training organisation the Irrigation Association of Australia and the needs of our Members
The old format although it was full of great content and trainers it did not really provide our Members or the trainees with anything concrete to hang their hats on Yes they
learnt but what formal qualifications did they gain The new format contains certified modules that go towards gaining federally recognised competencies in key areas of our industry and markets Ultimately the NSO and our Members agreed that there is no point or value investing a large amount of funds into non-competency-based training
We all know that the industry is aging throughout Australia and New Zealand and how hard it is attracting and retaining good people Now is the time to encourage our people to stay in the industry and develop into the next generation of Think Water business owners
In support of this evolution we recognise the need to have a solid foundation in place for our training solutions that covers the NSO and our Members
For more information about the Academy contact Chris directly or check out the training section of the Members Portal
Success for the Think Water Academy
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
infomaitcomauPh 1300 739 920
Weather station
Valve control amp soil monitoring
Pump monitoring amp control
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR WATER WITH iNTELLiTROLreg
Valve control amp soil monitoring
8 THINK TANK | April 2021
THE BEST HOMES ARE GRUNDFOS HOMES
NEW HOME amp GARDEN RANGE BROCHURE
Our NEW Home amp Garden Range brochure contains sizing and
selection information about our full range of domestic water supply
wastewater amp drainage and hot water amp heating products
NEW HOME amp GARDEN A4 FLYERS
bull Inverter technology delivers perfect pressure to all taps
bull Suitable for pumping from water sources above and below
the level of the pump including from below ground tanks
bull Intelligent controller allows for pressure adjustment at the
touch of a button
bull Very quiet operation that wonrsquot disturb your
family or neighbours
bull Tough weather resistant outer casing houses the pump
motor and the controller
bull Easy installation ndash plug amp pump ndash Simply connect to the
pipework prime the pump plug into a power outlet and
yoursquore ready to pump
SCALA22
YEARWARRANTY
ALL-IN-ONE SELF-PRIMING BOOSTER
WITH INVERTER TECHNOLOGY
DRY-RUN PROTECTION
The pump will be stopped if no
water is detected at the inlet
preventing internal damage
and protecting your motor
from damage
ANTI-CYCLING
PROTECTION
The pump will be stopped and
alarm activated if it repeatedly
turns on and off over a short
period of time (called lsquocyclingrsquo)
which could indicate a leaking
pipe or dripping tap
AUTO STARTSTOP
The pump will automatically
start and stop when outlets
(eg taps) are turned on or off
GRUNDFOS EYE
Provides dynamic pump status
operator feedback such as
power on pump running and
any alarms or faults
PUMP CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
Above
Pump Level
Below
Pump Level
Mains
Water
Household
WaterIrrigation
Mains
Boosting
WATER SOURCEAPPLICATION
47 dB Max LOW NOISE
Subject to local legislation
bull Includes float switch for automatic operation
and dry run protection
bull Virtually silent submerged operation that
wonrsquot that wonrsquot disturb your family or
neighbours
bull Easy submerged installation ndash plug amp pump
Connect to the pipework plug into a power
outlet and yoursquore ready to pump
bull Suitable for submerged pumping from
water sources above or below ground level
SB2
YEARWARRANTY
SUBMERSIBLE BOOSTER
PUMP CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
WATER SOURCE APPLICATION
25 dB Max LOW NOISE
Household Water
Irrigation
Above Pump Level
Below Pump Level
SB-A with float switch
SB-AW with floating suction strainer and float switch
FLOAT SWITCH
External float that
turns your pump
on or off based
on the water level
- this prevents dry-running
CURRENT OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The single phase motor
will stop automatically if
a current overload event
occurs and will restart
once normal current is
restored - protecting
your motor from damage
THERMAL OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The single phase motor
will stop automatically
if it overheats and will
restart once it cools
down - protecting your
motor from damage
bull Able to pump down to just 3 mm of water making it perfect for emptying pools ponds wells or tanks
bull Suitable for fully or partially submerged use
bull High quality composite and stainless steel construction
bull Suitable for permanent installation or as a light weight portable pump
UNILIFT CC 2 YEAR
WARRANTY
SUBMERSIBLE DRAINAGE PUMP
CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
APPLICATIONWATER SOURCE
Clean Water Drainage
StormGrey Water HandlingClean Water Storm
Grey Water
FLOAT SWITCHExternal float that either turns your pump on or off based on the water level - this prevents overflowing and dry-running
SELF-COOLING MOTORThe pump is cooled by water being pumped protecting it
from overheating even when only partially submerged
MAXIMUM PARTICLE SIZE
Itrsquos a good idea to check your water source to make sure it doesnrsquot contain dirt fibres plant or other material larger than 10 mm If it does you might need a drainage pump capable of handling larger particle sizes like the onersquos below
10 mm
AP 1212
mm
AP 35 amp AP 35B35 mm
AP 50 amp AP 50B50 mm
bull Increased hot water pressure for a single outlet
bull Hygienic stainless steel construction throughout
bull Built-in controller so no extra wiring required keeping installation costs low
bull Ultra quiet operation that wonrsquot disturb your family
bull Option of automatic or manual operation
UPA N2 YEARWARRANTY
HOT WATER PRESSURE BOOSTERWATER SOURCE
APPLICATION
Hot Water
FIND SPACE FOR YOUR PUMPThe UPA N range has been designed to fit into confined spaces
See below the space required for installation
Mains Boosting
Model Pipe Connections Dimensions (mm)
A (Port to Port) B (h) C (w1) D (w2) E (d1) F (d2)
UPA N 15-9034rdquo
214160
5054
10323
AB
C DEF
Introducing our NEW A4 Product Flyers for each product
within our home and garden range These flyers focus on equipping the consumer with what they
need-to-know about a pump range
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ONLINE VERSION CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CM BOOSTER SELF-PRIMING FLYER
For more information about our new range of materials email marketing-augrundfoscom
The future in remote monitoring Yabby Sensors are an Australian-owned company specialising in technology supported complete water management solutions Their remote monitoring solutions provide data for asset tracking environmental monitoring irrigation control and level sensors for the agricultural and resource market sectors
Australian Made for the Australian Climate MATelec has more than 45 years of experience manufacturing pumpmotor control products and electrical accessories Their product range is vast and includes pump controllers motor controllers circulation controllers soft starters power distribution boards level alarms electrical accessories and more
High quality portable powered products Crommelins Machinery offers consistent strong and high-quality service and product support Their product range includes generators compacting and concreting tools cutting and drilling tools pressure cleaners pumps flooring tools ground care tools air equipment engines and general trade tools
Welcome to the familyThink Water Members benefit from partnerships with several industry-leading manufacturers and distributors
These companies are our Preferred Suppliers and we consider them as part of our family We promote innovation and sustainability within the industry and value suppliers with extensive technical expertise good logistical
and local support and top-quality products
We are advocates for our Preferred Suppliers and love what they do We are excited to welcome these companies to the Think Water Family and look forward to promoting excellence with them
Scan to contact Steve Dudgeon
Managing Director AU
Scan to Contact Bruce Pederick
State Manager AU
Scan to Contact Chloe Barrott
Marketing Manager NZ
Scan to Contact Steve Swingler
Account Manager AU
The designer water storage solution As the name suggests Designer Tanks offer a broad range of stylish above ground rainwater tanks that will present as a stylish feature in your garden These tanks are made from 100 recycled polyethylene and range in sizes from 300L to 1600L Accessories and connection kits also available
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
10 THINK TANK | April 2021
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
Buried in your business system is a large amount of information about your customers Not only is this information useful to better understand when and how much your customers buy from you but also their potential share of wallet and collectively your market share within your main service area
Once you extract this information and do some basic analysis it can give you some great insights into your customers
bull Identify new customers and then workout how effective your marketing spend is
bull Compare how existing customers are purchasing year on year
bull Identify key markets you operate in- intuitively you know this-
however there may also be other markets yoursquore missing out on that may not be obvious
bull Compare your data with external data (ABS and other data sources) to work out market share
This information is also valuable to guide you on strategic decisions such as marketing spend target markets and opening up new opportunities such as new product lines
How do I extract this informationThe simplest way to do this is to export top line sales history by customer for each year into an Excel spreadsheet Most systems export as a CSV file ndash which is easily handled in Excel
Once this data is downloaded it can then be cleaned up and sorted ndash if this is a step too far then we can assist
Once the data is cleaned you can then allocate a market segment to each customer such as horticulture broadacre cashpos local government schools residential cattle sheep dairy lifestyle basically what ever fits your business and location
To then do further work on the data councils ABS Stats NZ or other sources will have localised information on farm enterprise numbers this can give you a good picture of your local area
Gold in dataHow analysing your sales data from previous years can tell you about your customers and business
Phil Best Operations Manager AU
COMPLETE WATER SOLUTIONS ENHANCED BY TECHNOLOGY
Low powered and cost remote monitoring and control
wwwtheyabbycomau
12 THINK TANK | April 2021
Here at Think Water we aim to ensure all employees are given access to gaining essential skills that are required in the workplace Employers will find that allowing employees to access training results in increased performance and engagement from the team It will also lead to improved employee retention in the business This is why the National Support Office always aims to provide excellent training solutions for our Members and their teams
Think Waterrsquos Digital Hub provides all this and more It is a digital online learning platform that is fully subsidised by the NSO The Hub gets updated monthly with hundreds of new training videos which ensures new and exciting content each year
Our aim for 2021 is to provide courses that are relevant effective and inspiring to ensure users stay engaged We carefully select our training options by finding engaging interactive and useful resources for our Members
This year users will see great topics around personal growth and workplace skills along with our yearly compliance courses around workplace behaviour business interaction and health and safety
The platform host is also introducing a lot of great new tools focused on self-help and mindfulness This provides options for users to access books and mindfulness tools that may be useful in work and outside of work This is forming a holistic training solution for Think Water Members and their teams
Some great new training courses that have recently been added to the Hub include the following
bull Managing Stress and Building Resilience
bull Emerging Leader Award
bull Effective Communication and Sales Skills
bull Successful Project Management
Scan the QR code to access the Digital Hub If you need an account created please email Aimee directly
A holistic training solution
Easy LokTough jobs made easyJoin large bore metric pipe fast and reliably every time
PHI0910-0321
PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1 26221 332 pm26221 332 pm
Aimee Hewson Business Support (AU amp NZ) amp HR Trainee
Think Water Northern Rivers
In recent months Think Water Northern Rivers have undertaken the implementation of numerous software programs and hardware upgrades to increase effeciency within the business
Software introduced includes H2Go Microsoft Teams Microsoft Project Windows 10 PipeDrive AutoCAD Erica IrriCAD Mondaycom and Microsoft Visio
By implementing the collaborative online sharing communication platform Microsoft Teams for both staff and contractors the Team has since noticed tremendous improvements in effective communication Email has become less clogged with ldquoconversationsrdquo and more informative Each department has easy access to relevant information allowing them to communicate with each other external suppliers and customers with ease
A new file structure procedure has been introduced allowing all files to be stored and saved in a sensical fashion This new structure prompts data collection for jobs that may have been missed previously version control documents and synchronises how information is saved
As part of the project all computer hardware has been upgraded which was quite a staggering cost for the business but has been balanced out with less need for external IT
assistance Due to all staff using Windows 10 our workflow is more effecient troubleshooting is easier and can be performed inhouse therefore saving money This business manoeuvre has allowed the company to make the first step in migrating towards a cloud-based network the programs are running smoother processes faster and the maintenance is now less
Microsoft Project has been introduced to assist in developing schedules assigning resources to tasks tracking progress managing the budget and analysing workloads It is currently being used by the Team for the design process and workflow and will eventually include installation timelines as well
lsquoMondaycomrsquo has been inplemented to assist with outlining the progress of each stage of the project (design quote and installation) Although the Team comments that Microsoft Project is the most successful project planning platform they have used so far
H2Go (Ostendo) was one of the first software packages to be introduced and is the core of our business H2Go is designed to assist staff in focusing on the range of operational activities that generate revenue and profits within the business while giving your accounting software system something to account for The Team has mentioned lsquoit has been a challenge to adapt to the system but is proving to be far more capable than
expectedrdquo H2Go links well with Xero our accounting software and Tyro our EFTPOS terminal
PipeDrive a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform has been inplemented to track the progress of quotes to sales customer communication and gauge the amount of work coming up to plan installations PipeDrive is also useful for measuring sales performance and assisting with cashflow predictions You can access this software remotely and itrsquos known to be reasonably user-friendly while costing about $124month in subscription fees
AutoCAD Erica and IrriCAD have been introduced to assist with drawing irrigation system designs and installation plans These programs both link with Microsoft Teams for data sharing
Implementing Microsoft Visio has given us the ability to draw and document flow charts for customers and installation technicians It is important to note that the program needs to be set up properly to be successful within the work flow Microsoft Visio is a cloud-based program costing $950 which makes it easier to work collaboratively between office and offsite staff
Although the digital upgrade project has been costly at times and a steep learning curve Lee Rothwell is happy with the result and reports a successful implementation and many improvements within the business from all aspects
Upgrading to increase efficiency within our business
14 THINK TANK | April 2021
Businesses require structure to grow and be profitable Planning the structure of your business ensures there are enough resources to meet the companyrsquos goals and each employee understands the reporting hireachy
This article outlines some key points to consider when conducting your organisational structure review
Job Descriptions and Optimising EmployeesRegardless of the kind of structure an organisation uses itrsquos critical to clearly identify job descriptions so that employees are aware of what is expected of them In addition the structure may identify weak spots or deficiencies in the companyrsquos current management team
CommunicationGood structure allows for better communication Since the flow of information is essential to an organisationrsquos success the structure should be designed with clear lines of communication in mind
Clear Reporting Relationships
Employees need a clear understanding of who they are accountable to Otherwise responsibility for a task may fall through the cracks wersquove all seen that before Each employee benefits by knowing whom they can turn to for direction or help
Establishing and Attaining ObjectivesThe design of an organisation structure should be in line with achieving company goals The business should be structured to enable the employees to help the company reach its targets most effectively
Growth and ExpansionCompanies that grow rapidly are those that typically make the best use of their resources A sound organisation structure ensures that the company has the right people in the right positions A well-designed organisation structure facilitates the completion of all projects Completing projects successfully leads to business growth
Remaining Stable Yet Flexible to Promote Growth
An organisationrsquos structure needs to provide a stable work environment for employees If a company undertakes several organisational changes in a short period of time employees may feel nervous about their position in the company and may be distracted from their day-to-day tasks leading to a loss of productivity
However itrsquos essential that an organisation is flexible to adapt to changes that are out of its control For example key individuals within the company can leave and economic or environmental factors can affect the profitability of the business A well structured business will be nimble and shift organisationally to accommodate these challenges
If you would like assistance with the structure of your business please contact Chris or your Operations Manager directly to discuss
Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
A A P I N D U S T R I E S C O M A U
ENGINEERING
PLUMBING
IRRIGATION
FIRE PROTECTION
MINING
OIL amp GAS
15April 2021 | THINK TANK
Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
Team members whoserve as mentors
also report greaterjob satisfaction
and greater career success
Mentoring programs have a positive
track record for enhancing the effectiveness of a teamrsquos success
said they would stay at a company longer if they were offered
opportunities to learn and grow
of team members
94
mentoring had a positive impact on their profits
of businessesbelieve
55
an increase in productivity due
to mentoring
of businessesreported
67
Andrew Walker Operations Manager NZ
5Mentorship is a relationship between two people where the individual with more experience knowledge and connections can pass along what they have learned to a more junior team member within your business Keep in mind though the mentor and the mentee do not necessarily need to be in the same business for the mentorship to be successful
1 Define the programrsquos goalTo get started you need to define the parameters of your program and what you want to achieve from it These should typically be designed to nurture talent and improve performance provide benefit to the company and enhance personal growth This should also be focused on where the business will benefit most
2 Outline the process in the workplace
Well-organised programs offer structure and support to maximise the value to both the team and the business Each program will be different so itrsquos important to provide quick simple points to outline
a) How the program can be accessed
b) Who can be a mentor (what level of experience or qualifications are required)
c) The duration of the mentorship
d) The format One-to-one or group setting
e) How will the programrsquos success be tracked and measured
In the case of a franchise business such as Think Water the use of modern technology auch as lsquoMicrosoft Teamsrsquo (and the like) is a very cost-effective group communication platform
3 Select program participantsMentoring thrives on diversity If you want your program to be successful it needs a diverse set of mentors and mentees to share thoughts ideas and experiences By doing so both parties can identify strengths and weaknesses and how they can work together to improve
4 Match mentors and menteesThe strengths and weaknesses of a mentee should be complimented and balanced by those of a mentor To enable an inspiring experience itrsquos important to be mindful of who yoursquore pairing and why Mentees should be matched based on several criteria for instance
a) Diverse yet complementary interests
b) Compatible personality
c) Age group similarities
d) Experience skills and ideas that meet the menteersquos future career goals
5 Provide trainingBefore during and after the program you should provide mentors with ongoing training and development to help them support their mentees Mentors must also learn how to balance their own expectations and the company objectives
The main goal of a mentorship initiative is to prepare your team members with the necessary tools for success Having a structured and organised program will allow goal-oriented team members to further develop their skills The best part is yoursquore able to utilise the resources and connections your company already has
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
16 THINK TANK | April 2021
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
17April 2021 | THINK TANK
Think Water Hawkes Bay
We are pleased to announce the new General Manager of Think Water Hawkes Bay Mark Allan
Walking into this position in October of 2020 Mark claims to have no formal qualifications or irrigation experience and due to the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience already within the team he wonrsquot need it
Throughout his career Mark has had an assortment of management roles including an 18 year span at Toll where he managed a business unit that was awarded lsquoBranch of the Yearrsquo for nine years straight and achieved the best EBIT as a percentage of revenue for 14+ years
From his first day on the job Mark said that team have been outstanding Everyone is so honest and open enabling him to develop a high-level view of where the business is currently positioned He highlights
the undoubting commitment and trust shown by owners Mark Tremain and Anthony Waites in handing their business over to him He says he doesnrsquot underestimate the difficulty the change would be after years of making decisions themselves but appreciates it nonetheless
Mark Tremain mentioned ldquoI am expecting Mark will bring in processes and organisation to our business to assist with looking after the areas that are often forgotten about but in fact are the most importantrdquo
ldquoI have attempted to not change the world overnight as I am a realist around understanding the business firstrdquo said Mark
While in his newly appointed position of General Manager he intends to be solely focused on ldquoworking on the businessrdquo Mark mentions the team has made great progress with a newly established OHampS committee and
weekly operational meetings such as a Monday morning tool-box meeting
With future plans in place to implement procedures such as a CRM and other IT systems that will enable more streamlined processes and efficient workflows The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities which will hopefully result in the elimination of the lsquoJack of all trades master of nonersquo syndrome
Mark also states his intention to review HR with a key focus on staff performance management and setting target objectives to better develop his team and ultimately benefit the business
Another goal of his is to begin aligning both of the Hawkes Bay retail stores to give a consistency of outcome for customers Mark plans to utilise current trade data historical activity and customer feedback from both stores to provide a gold mine of information to review and learn from
bull Fully galvanised wallsbull Quality Polytoughreg liner
bull Heavy duty galvanised trussesbull Built to Australian building codes
1800 008 888 w w w b u s h m a n t a n k s c o m a u
Not just another cable company
Call or email for further information07 3856 6182 | technicalpowerflexcablescomau
Pump Control ndash Alternating or Parallel Alternated control of two pumps (or other devices)
Pump Control amp Level Monitoring 10 different functions in one very compact device
Welcome to the team Mark Allan
ldquoTo achieve our goals we will be engaging with the team to explain lsquowhyrsquo something needs to change
not just that it is lsquochangingrsquordquo
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
18 THINK TANK | April 2021
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
THE BEST HOMES ARE GRUNDFOS HOMES
NEW HOME amp GARDEN RANGE BROCHURE
Our NEW Home amp Garden Range brochure contains sizing and
selection information about our full range of domestic water supply
wastewater amp drainage and hot water amp heating products
NEW HOME amp GARDEN A4 FLYERS
bull Inverter technology delivers perfect pressure to all taps
bull Suitable for pumping from water sources above and below
the level of the pump including from below ground tanks
bull Intelligent controller allows for pressure adjustment at the
touch of a button
bull Very quiet operation that wonrsquot disturb your
family or neighbours
bull Tough weather resistant outer casing houses the pump
motor and the controller
bull Easy installation ndash plug amp pump ndash Simply connect to the
pipework prime the pump plug into a power outlet and
yoursquore ready to pump
SCALA22
YEARWARRANTY
ALL-IN-ONE SELF-PRIMING BOOSTER
WITH INVERTER TECHNOLOGY
DRY-RUN PROTECTION
The pump will be stopped if no
water is detected at the inlet
preventing internal damage
and protecting your motor
from damage
ANTI-CYCLING
PROTECTION
The pump will be stopped and
alarm activated if it repeatedly
turns on and off over a short
period of time (called lsquocyclingrsquo)
which could indicate a leaking
pipe or dripping tap
AUTO STARTSTOP
The pump will automatically
start and stop when outlets
(eg taps) are turned on or off
GRUNDFOS EYE
Provides dynamic pump status
operator feedback such as
power on pump running and
any alarms or faults
PUMP CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
Above
Pump Level
Below
Pump Level
Mains
Water
Household
WaterIrrigation
Mains
Boosting
WATER SOURCEAPPLICATION
47 dB Max LOW NOISE
Subject to local legislation
bull Includes float switch for automatic operation
and dry run protection
bull Virtually silent submerged operation that
wonrsquot that wonrsquot disturb your family or
neighbours
bull Easy submerged installation ndash plug amp pump
Connect to the pipework plug into a power
outlet and yoursquore ready to pump
bull Suitable for submerged pumping from
water sources above or below ground level
SB2
YEARWARRANTY
SUBMERSIBLE BOOSTER
PUMP CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
WATER SOURCE APPLICATION
25 dB Max LOW NOISE
Household Water
Irrigation
Above Pump Level
Below Pump Level
SB-A with float switch
SB-AW with floating suction strainer and float switch
FLOAT SWITCH
External float that
turns your pump
on or off based
on the water level
- this prevents dry-running
CURRENT OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The single phase motor
will stop automatically if
a current overload event
occurs and will restart
once normal current is
restored - protecting
your motor from damage
THERMAL OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The single phase motor
will stop automatically
if it overheats and will
restart once it cools
down - protecting your
motor from damage
bull Able to pump down to just 3 mm of water making it perfect for emptying pools ponds wells or tanks
bull Suitable for fully or partially submerged use
bull High quality composite and stainless steel construction
bull Suitable for permanent installation or as a light weight portable pump
UNILIFT CC 2 YEAR
WARRANTY
SUBMERSIBLE DRAINAGE PUMP
CONTROL amp PROTECTION FEATURES
APPLICATIONWATER SOURCE
Clean Water Drainage
StormGrey Water HandlingClean Water Storm
Grey Water
FLOAT SWITCHExternal float that either turns your pump on or off based on the water level - this prevents overflowing and dry-running
SELF-COOLING MOTORThe pump is cooled by water being pumped protecting it
from overheating even when only partially submerged
MAXIMUM PARTICLE SIZE
Itrsquos a good idea to check your water source to make sure it doesnrsquot contain dirt fibres plant or other material larger than 10 mm If it does you might need a drainage pump capable of handling larger particle sizes like the onersquos below
10 mm
AP 1212
mm
AP 35 amp AP 35B35 mm
AP 50 amp AP 50B50 mm
bull Increased hot water pressure for a single outlet
bull Hygienic stainless steel construction throughout
bull Built-in controller so no extra wiring required keeping installation costs low
bull Ultra quiet operation that wonrsquot disturb your family
bull Option of automatic or manual operation
UPA N2 YEARWARRANTY
HOT WATER PRESSURE BOOSTERWATER SOURCE
APPLICATION
Hot Water
FIND SPACE FOR YOUR PUMPThe UPA N range has been designed to fit into confined spaces
See below the space required for installation
Mains Boosting
Model Pipe Connections Dimensions (mm)
A (Port to Port) B (h) C (w1) D (w2) E (d1) F (d2)
UPA N 15-9034rdquo
214160
5054
10323
AB
C DEF
Introducing our NEW A4 Product Flyers for each product
within our home and garden range These flyers focus on equipping the consumer with what they
need-to-know about a pump range
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ONLINE VERSION CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CM BOOSTER SELF-PRIMING FLYER
For more information about our new range of materials email marketing-augrundfoscom
The future in remote monitoring Yabby Sensors are an Australian-owned company specialising in technology supported complete water management solutions Their remote monitoring solutions provide data for asset tracking environmental monitoring irrigation control and level sensors for the agricultural and resource market sectors
Australian Made for the Australian Climate MATelec has more than 45 years of experience manufacturing pumpmotor control products and electrical accessories Their product range is vast and includes pump controllers motor controllers circulation controllers soft starters power distribution boards level alarms electrical accessories and more
High quality portable powered products Crommelins Machinery offers consistent strong and high-quality service and product support Their product range includes generators compacting and concreting tools cutting and drilling tools pressure cleaners pumps flooring tools ground care tools air equipment engines and general trade tools
Welcome to the familyThink Water Members benefit from partnerships with several industry-leading manufacturers and distributors
These companies are our Preferred Suppliers and we consider them as part of our family We promote innovation and sustainability within the industry and value suppliers with extensive technical expertise good logistical
and local support and top-quality products
We are advocates for our Preferred Suppliers and love what they do We are excited to welcome these companies to the Think Water Family and look forward to promoting excellence with them
Scan to contact Steve Dudgeon
Managing Director AU
Scan to Contact Bruce Pederick
State Manager AU
Scan to Contact Chloe Barrott
Marketing Manager NZ
Scan to Contact Steve Swingler
Account Manager AU
The designer water storage solution As the name suggests Designer Tanks offer a broad range of stylish above ground rainwater tanks that will present as a stylish feature in your garden These tanks are made from 100 recycled polyethylene and range in sizes from 300L to 1600L Accessories and connection kits also available
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
10 THINK TANK | April 2021
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
Buried in your business system is a large amount of information about your customers Not only is this information useful to better understand when and how much your customers buy from you but also their potential share of wallet and collectively your market share within your main service area
Once you extract this information and do some basic analysis it can give you some great insights into your customers
bull Identify new customers and then workout how effective your marketing spend is
bull Compare how existing customers are purchasing year on year
bull Identify key markets you operate in- intuitively you know this-
however there may also be other markets yoursquore missing out on that may not be obvious
bull Compare your data with external data (ABS and other data sources) to work out market share
This information is also valuable to guide you on strategic decisions such as marketing spend target markets and opening up new opportunities such as new product lines
How do I extract this informationThe simplest way to do this is to export top line sales history by customer for each year into an Excel spreadsheet Most systems export as a CSV file ndash which is easily handled in Excel
Once this data is downloaded it can then be cleaned up and sorted ndash if this is a step too far then we can assist
Once the data is cleaned you can then allocate a market segment to each customer such as horticulture broadacre cashpos local government schools residential cattle sheep dairy lifestyle basically what ever fits your business and location
To then do further work on the data councils ABS Stats NZ or other sources will have localised information on farm enterprise numbers this can give you a good picture of your local area
Gold in dataHow analysing your sales data from previous years can tell you about your customers and business
Phil Best Operations Manager AU
COMPLETE WATER SOLUTIONS ENHANCED BY TECHNOLOGY
Low powered and cost remote monitoring and control
wwwtheyabbycomau
12 THINK TANK | April 2021
Here at Think Water we aim to ensure all employees are given access to gaining essential skills that are required in the workplace Employers will find that allowing employees to access training results in increased performance and engagement from the team It will also lead to improved employee retention in the business This is why the National Support Office always aims to provide excellent training solutions for our Members and their teams
Think Waterrsquos Digital Hub provides all this and more It is a digital online learning platform that is fully subsidised by the NSO The Hub gets updated monthly with hundreds of new training videos which ensures new and exciting content each year
Our aim for 2021 is to provide courses that are relevant effective and inspiring to ensure users stay engaged We carefully select our training options by finding engaging interactive and useful resources for our Members
This year users will see great topics around personal growth and workplace skills along with our yearly compliance courses around workplace behaviour business interaction and health and safety
The platform host is also introducing a lot of great new tools focused on self-help and mindfulness This provides options for users to access books and mindfulness tools that may be useful in work and outside of work This is forming a holistic training solution for Think Water Members and their teams
Some great new training courses that have recently been added to the Hub include the following
bull Managing Stress and Building Resilience
bull Emerging Leader Award
bull Effective Communication and Sales Skills
bull Successful Project Management
Scan the QR code to access the Digital Hub If you need an account created please email Aimee directly
A holistic training solution
Easy LokTough jobs made easyJoin large bore metric pipe fast and reliably every time
PHI0910-0321
PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1 26221 332 pm26221 332 pm
Aimee Hewson Business Support (AU amp NZ) amp HR Trainee
Think Water Northern Rivers
In recent months Think Water Northern Rivers have undertaken the implementation of numerous software programs and hardware upgrades to increase effeciency within the business
Software introduced includes H2Go Microsoft Teams Microsoft Project Windows 10 PipeDrive AutoCAD Erica IrriCAD Mondaycom and Microsoft Visio
By implementing the collaborative online sharing communication platform Microsoft Teams for both staff and contractors the Team has since noticed tremendous improvements in effective communication Email has become less clogged with ldquoconversationsrdquo and more informative Each department has easy access to relevant information allowing them to communicate with each other external suppliers and customers with ease
A new file structure procedure has been introduced allowing all files to be stored and saved in a sensical fashion This new structure prompts data collection for jobs that may have been missed previously version control documents and synchronises how information is saved
As part of the project all computer hardware has been upgraded which was quite a staggering cost for the business but has been balanced out with less need for external IT
assistance Due to all staff using Windows 10 our workflow is more effecient troubleshooting is easier and can be performed inhouse therefore saving money This business manoeuvre has allowed the company to make the first step in migrating towards a cloud-based network the programs are running smoother processes faster and the maintenance is now less
Microsoft Project has been introduced to assist in developing schedules assigning resources to tasks tracking progress managing the budget and analysing workloads It is currently being used by the Team for the design process and workflow and will eventually include installation timelines as well
lsquoMondaycomrsquo has been inplemented to assist with outlining the progress of each stage of the project (design quote and installation) Although the Team comments that Microsoft Project is the most successful project planning platform they have used so far
H2Go (Ostendo) was one of the first software packages to be introduced and is the core of our business H2Go is designed to assist staff in focusing on the range of operational activities that generate revenue and profits within the business while giving your accounting software system something to account for The Team has mentioned lsquoit has been a challenge to adapt to the system but is proving to be far more capable than
expectedrdquo H2Go links well with Xero our accounting software and Tyro our EFTPOS terminal
PipeDrive a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform has been inplemented to track the progress of quotes to sales customer communication and gauge the amount of work coming up to plan installations PipeDrive is also useful for measuring sales performance and assisting with cashflow predictions You can access this software remotely and itrsquos known to be reasonably user-friendly while costing about $124month in subscription fees
AutoCAD Erica and IrriCAD have been introduced to assist with drawing irrigation system designs and installation plans These programs both link with Microsoft Teams for data sharing
Implementing Microsoft Visio has given us the ability to draw and document flow charts for customers and installation technicians It is important to note that the program needs to be set up properly to be successful within the work flow Microsoft Visio is a cloud-based program costing $950 which makes it easier to work collaboratively between office and offsite staff
Although the digital upgrade project has been costly at times and a steep learning curve Lee Rothwell is happy with the result and reports a successful implementation and many improvements within the business from all aspects
Upgrading to increase efficiency within our business
14 THINK TANK | April 2021
Businesses require structure to grow and be profitable Planning the structure of your business ensures there are enough resources to meet the companyrsquos goals and each employee understands the reporting hireachy
This article outlines some key points to consider when conducting your organisational structure review
Job Descriptions and Optimising EmployeesRegardless of the kind of structure an organisation uses itrsquos critical to clearly identify job descriptions so that employees are aware of what is expected of them In addition the structure may identify weak spots or deficiencies in the companyrsquos current management team
CommunicationGood structure allows for better communication Since the flow of information is essential to an organisationrsquos success the structure should be designed with clear lines of communication in mind
Clear Reporting Relationships
Employees need a clear understanding of who they are accountable to Otherwise responsibility for a task may fall through the cracks wersquove all seen that before Each employee benefits by knowing whom they can turn to for direction or help
Establishing and Attaining ObjectivesThe design of an organisation structure should be in line with achieving company goals The business should be structured to enable the employees to help the company reach its targets most effectively
Growth and ExpansionCompanies that grow rapidly are those that typically make the best use of their resources A sound organisation structure ensures that the company has the right people in the right positions A well-designed organisation structure facilitates the completion of all projects Completing projects successfully leads to business growth
Remaining Stable Yet Flexible to Promote Growth
An organisationrsquos structure needs to provide a stable work environment for employees If a company undertakes several organisational changes in a short period of time employees may feel nervous about their position in the company and may be distracted from their day-to-day tasks leading to a loss of productivity
However itrsquos essential that an organisation is flexible to adapt to changes that are out of its control For example key individuals within the company can leave and economic or environmental factors can affect the profitability of the business A well structured business will be nimble and shift organisationally to accommodate these challenges
If you would like assistance with the structure of your business please contact Chris or your Operations Manager directly to discuss
Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
A A P I N D U S T R I E S C O M A U
ENGINEERING
PLUMBING
IRRIGATION
FIRE PROTECTION
MINING
OIL amp GAS
15April 2021 | THINK TANK
Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
Team members whoserve as mentors
also report greaterjob satisfaction
and greater career success
Mentoring programs have a positive
track record for enhancing the effectiveness of a teamrsquos success
said they would stay at a company longer if they were offered
opportunities to learn and grow
of team members
94
mentoring had a positive impact on their profits
of businessesbelieve
55
an increase in productivity due
to mentoring
of businessesreported
67
Andrew Walker Operations Manager NZ
5Mentorship is a relationship between two people where the individual with more experience knowledge and connections can pass along what they have learned to a more junior team member within your business Keep in mind though the mentor and the mentee do not necessarily need to be in the same business for the mentorship to be successful
1 Define the programrsquos goalTo get started you need to define the parameters of your program and what you want to achieve from it These should typically be designed to nurture talent and improve performance provide benefit to the company and enhance personal growth This should also be focused on where the business will benefit most
2 Outline the process in the workplace
Well-organised programs offer structure and support to maximise the value to both the team and the business Each program will be different so itrsquos important to provide quick simple points to outline
a) How the program can be accessed
b) Who can be a mentor (what level of experience or qualifications are required)
c) The duration of the mentorship
d) The format One-to-one or group setting
e) How will the programrsquos success be tracked and measured
In the case of a franchise business such as Think Water the use of modern technology auch as lsquoMicrosoft Teamsrsquo (and the like) is a very cost-effective group communication platform
3 Select program participantsMentoring thrives on diversity If you want your program to be successful it needs a diverse set of mentors and mentees to share thoughts ideas and experiences By doing so both parties can identify strengths and weaknesses and how they can work together to improve
4 Match mentors and menteesThe strengths and weaknesses of a mentee should be complimented and balanced by those of a mentor To enable an inspiring experience itrsquos important to be mindful of who yoursquore pairing and why Mentees should be matched based on several criteria for instance
a) Diverse yet complementary interests
b) Compatible personality
c) Age group similarities
d) Experience skills and ideas that meet the menteersquos future career goals
5 Provide trainingBefore during and after the program you should provide mentors with ongoing training and development to help them support their mentees Mentors must also learn how to balance their own expectations and the company objectives
The main goal of a mentorship initiative is to prepare your team members with the necessary tools for success Having a structured and organised program will allow goal-oriented team members to further develop their skills The best part is yoursquore able to utilise the resources and connections your company already has
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
16 THINK TANK | April 2021
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
17April 2021 | THINK TANK
Think Water Hawkes Bay
We are pleased to announce the new General Manager of Think Water Hawkes Bay Mark Allan
Walking into this position in October of 2020 Mark claims to have no formal qualifications or irrigation experience and due to the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience already within the team he wonrsquot need it
Throughout his career Mark has had an assortment of management roles including an 18 year span at Toll where he managed a business unit that was awarded lsquoBranch of the Yearrsquo for nine years straight and achieved the best EBIT as a percentage of revenue for 14+ years
From his first day on the job Mark said that team have been outstanding Everyone is so honest and open enabling him to develop a high-level view of where the business is currently positioned He highlights
the undoubting commitment and trust shown by owners Mark Tremain and Anthony Waites in handing their business over to him He says he doesnrsquot underestimate the difficulty the change would be after years of making decisions themselves but appreciates it nonetheless
Mark Tremain mentioned ldquoI am expecting Mark will bring in processes and organisation to our business to assist with looking after the areas that are often forgotten about but in fact are the most importantrdquo
ldquoI have attempted to not change the world overnight as I am a realist around understanding the business firstrdquo said Mark
While in his newly appointed position of General Manager he intends to be solely focused on ldquoworking on the businessrdquo Mark mentions the team has made great progress with a newly established OHampS committee and
weekly operational meetings such as a Monday morning tool-box meeting
With future plans in place to implement procedures such as a CRM and other IT systems that will enable more streamlined processes and efficient workflows The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities which will hopefully result in the elimination of the lsquoJack of all trades master of nonersquo syndrome
Mark also states his intention to review HR with a key focus on staff performance management and setting target objectives to better develop his team and ultimately benefit the business
Another goal of his is to begin aligning both of the Hawkes Bay retail stores to give a consistency of outcome for customers Mark plans to utilise current trade data historical activity and customer feedback from both stores to provide a gold mine of information to review and learn from
bull Fully galvanised wallsbull Quality Polytoughreg liner
bull Heavy duty galvanised trussesbull Built to Australian building codes
1800 008 888 w w w b u s h m a n t a n k s c o m a u
Not just another cable company
Call or email for further information07 3856 6182 | technicalpowerflexcablescomau
Pump Control ndash Alternating or Parallel Alternated control of two pumps (or other devices)
Pump Control amp Level Monitoring 10 different functions in one very compact device
Welcome to the team Mark Allan
ldquoTo achieve our goals we will be engaging with the team to explain lsquowhyrsquo something needs to change
not just that it is lsquochangingrsquordquo
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
18 THINK TANK | April 2021
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
The future in remote monitoring Yabby Sensors are an Australian-owned company specialising in technology supported complete water management solutions Their remote monitoring solutions provide data for asset tracking environmental monitoring irrigation control and level sensors for the agricultural and resource market sectors
Australian Made for the Australian Climate MATelec has more than 45 years of experience manufacturing pumpmotor control products and electrical accessories Their product range is vast and includes pump controllers motor controllers circulation controllers soft starters power distribution boards level alarms electrical accessories and more
High quality portable powered products Crommelins Machinery offers consistent strong and high-quality service and product support Their product range includes generators compacting and concreting tools cutting and drilling tools pressure cleaners pumps flooring tools ground care tools air equipment engines and general trade tools
Welcome to the familyThink Water Members benefit from partnerships with several industry-leading manufacturers and distributors
These companies are our Preferred Suppliers and we consider them as part of our family We promote innovation and sustainability within the industry and value suppliers with extensive technical expertise good logistical
and local support and top-quality products
We are advocates for our Preferred Suppliers and love what they do We are excited to welcome these companies to the Think Water Family and look forward to promoting excellence with them
Scan to contact Steve Dudgeon
Managing Director AU
Scan to Contact Bruce Pederick
State Manager AU
Scan to Contact Chloe Barrott
Marketing Manager NZ
Scan to Contact Steve Swingler
Account Manager AU
The designer water storage solution As the name suggests Designer Tanks offer a broad range of stylish above ground rainwater tanks that will present as a stylish feature in your garden These tanks are made from 100 recycled polyethylene and range in sizes from 300L to 1600L Accessories and connection kits also available
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
10 THINK TANK | April 2021
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
Buried in your business system is a large amount of information about your customers Not only is this information useful to better understand when and how much your customers buy from you but also their potential share of wallet and collectively your market share within your main service area
Once you extract this information and do some basic analysis it can give you some great insights into your customers
bull Identify new customers and then workout how effective your marketing spend is
bull Compare how existing customers are purchasing year on year
bull Identify key markets you operate in- intuitively you know this-
however there may also be other markets yoursquore missing out on that may not be obvious
bull Compare your data with external data (ABS and other data sources) to work out market share
This information is also valuable to guide you on strategic decisions such as marketing spend target markets and opening up new opportunities such as new product lines
How do I extract this informationThe simplest way to do this is to export top line sales history by customer for each year into an Excel spreadsheet Most systems export as a CSV file ndash which is easily handled in Excel
Once this data is downloaded it can then be cleaned up and sorted ndash if this is a step too far then we can assist
Once the data is cleaned you can then allocate a market segment to each customer such as horticulture broadacre cashpos local government schools residential cattle sheep dairy lifestyle basically what ever fits your business and location
To then do further work on the data councils ABS Stats NZ or other sources will have localised information on farm enterprise numbers this can give you a good picture of your local area
Gold in dataHow analysing your sales data from previous years can tell you about your customers and business
Phil Best Operations Manager AU
COMPLETE WATER SOLUTIONS ENHANCED BY TECHNOLOGY
Low powered and cost remote monitoring and control
wwwtheyabbycomau
12 THINK TANK | April 2021
Here at Think Water we aim to ensure all employees are given access to gaining essential skills that are required in the workplace Employers will find that allowing employees to access training results in increased performance and engagement from the team It will also lead to improved employee retention in the business This is why the National Support Office always aims to provide excellent training solutions for our Members and their teams
Think Waterrsquos Digital Hub provides all this and more It is a digital online learning platform that is fully subsidised by the NSO The Hub gets updated monthly with hundreds of new training videos which ensures new and exciting content each year
Our aim for 2021 is to provide courses that are relevant effective and inspiring to ensure users stay engaged We carefully select our training options by finding engaging interactive and useful resources for our Members
This year users will see great topics around personal growth and workplace skills along with our yearly compliance courses around workplace behaviour business interaction and health and safety
The platform host is also introducing a lot of great new tools focused on self-help and mindfulness This provides options for users to access books and mindfulness tools that may be useful in work and outside of work This is forming a holistic training solution for Think Water Members and their teams
Some great new training courses that have recently been added to the Hub include the following
bull Managing Stress and Building Resilience
bull Emerging Leader Award
bull Effective Communication and Sales Skills
bull Successful Project Management
Scan the QR code to access the Digital Hub If you need an account created please email Aimee directly
A holistic training solution
Easy LokTough jobs made easyJoin large bore metric pipe fast and reliably every time
PHI0910-0321
PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1 26221 332 pm26221 332 pm
Aimee Hewson Business Support (AU amp NZ) amp HR Trainee
Think Water Northern Rivers
In recent months Think Water Northern Rivers have undertaken the implementation of numerous software programs and hardware upgrades to increase effeciency within the business
Software introduced includes H2Go Microsoft Teams Microsoft Project Windows 10 PipeDrive AutoCAD Erica IrriCAD Mondaycom and Microsoft Visio
By implementing the collaborative online sharing communication platform Microsoft Teams for both staff and contractors the Team has since noticed tremendous improvements in effective communication Email has become less clogged with ldquoconversationsrdquo and more informative Each department has easy access to relevant information allowing them to communicate with each other external suppliers and customers with ease
A new file structure procedure has been introduced allowing all files to be stored and saved in a sensical fashion This new structure prompts data collection for jobs that may have been missed previously version control documents and synchronises how information is saved
As part of the project all computer hardware has been upgraded which was quite a staggering cost for the business but has been balanced out with less need for external IT
assistance Due to all staff using Windows 10 our workflow is more effecient troubleshooting is easier and can be performed inhouse therefore saving money This business manoeuvre has allowed the company to make the first step in migrating towards a cloud-based network the programs are running smoother processes faster and the maintenance is now less
Microsoft Project has been introduced to assist in developing schedules assigning resources to tasks tracking progress managing the budget and analysing workloads It is currently being used by the Team for the design process and workflow and will eventually include installation timelines as well
lsquoMondaycomrsquo has been inplemented to assist with outlining the progress of each stage of the project (design quote and installation) Although the Team comments that Microsoft Project is the most successful project planning platform they have used so far
H2Go (Ostendo) was one of the first software packages to be introduced and is the core of our business H2Go is designed to assist staff in focusing on the range of operational activities that generate revenue and profits within the business while giving your accounting software system something to account for The Team has mentioned lsquoit has been a challenge to adapt to the system but is proving to be far more capable than
expectedrdquo H2Go links well with Xero our accounting software and Tyro our EFTPOS terminal
PipeDrive a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform has been inplemented to track the progress of quotes to sales customer communication and gauge the amount of work coming up to plan installations PipeDrive is also useful for measuring sales performance and assisting with cashflow predictions You can access this software remotely and itrsquos known to be reasonably user-friendly while costing about $124month in subscription fees
AutoCAD Erica and IrriCAD have been introduced to assist with drawing irrigation system designs and installation plans These programs both link with Microsoft Teams for data sharing
Implementing Microsoft Visio has given us the ability to draw and document flow charts for customers and installation technicians It is important to note that the program needs to be set up properly to be successful within the work flow Microsoft Visio is a cloud-based program costing $950 which makes it easier to work collaboratively between office and offsite staff
Although the digital upgrade project has been costly at times and a steep learning curve Lee Rothwell is happy with the result and reports a successful implementation and many improvements within the business from all aspects
Upgrading to increase efficiency within our business
14 THINK TANK | April 2021
Businesses require structure to grow and be profitable Planning the structure of your business ensures there are enough resources to meet the companyrsquos goals and each employee understands the reporting hireachy
This article outlines some key points to consider when conducting your organisational structure review
Job Descriptions and Optimising EmployeesRegardless of the kind of structure an organisation uses itrsquos critical to clearly identify job descriptions so that employees are aware of what is expected of them In addition the structure may identify weak spots or deficiencies in the companyrsquos current management team
CommunicationGood structure allows for better communication Since the flow of information is essential to an organisationrsquos success the structure should be designed with clear lines of communication in mind
Clear Reporting Relationships
Employees need a clear understanding of who they are accountable to Otherwise responsibility for a task may fall through the cracks wersquove all seen that before Each employee benefits by knowing whom they can turn to for direction or help
Establishing and Attaining ObjectivesThe design of an organisation structure should be in line with achieving company goals The business should be structured to enable the employees to help the company reach its targets most effectively
Growth and ExpansionCompanies that grow rapidly are those that typically make the best use of their resources A sound organisation structure ensures that the company has the right people in the right positions A well-designed organisation structure facilitates the completion of all projects Completing projects successfully leads to business growth
Remaining Stable Yet Flexible to Promote Growth
An organisationrsquos structure needs to provide a stable work environment for employees If a company undertakes several organisational changes in a short period of time employees may feel nervous about their position in the company and may be distracted from their day-to-day tasks leading to a loss of productivity
However itrsquos essential that an organisation is flexible to adapt to changes that are out of its control For example key individuals within the company can leave and economic or environmental factors can affect the profitability of the business A well structured business will be nimble and shift organisationally to accommodate these challenges
If you would like assistance with the structure of your business please contact Chris or your Operations Manager directly to discuss
Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
A A P I N D U S T R I E S C O M A U
ENGINEERING
PLUMBING
IRRIGATION
FIRE PROTECTION
MINING
OIL amp GAS
15April 2021 | THINK TANK
Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
Team members whoserve as mentors
also report greaterjob satisfaction
and greater career success
Mentoring programs have a positive
track record for enhancing the effectiveness of a teamrsquos success
said they would stay at a company longer if they were offered
opportunities to learn and grow
of team members
94
mentoring had a positive impact on their profits
of businessesbelieve
55
an increase in productivity due
to mentoring
of businessesreported
67
Andrew Walker Operations Manager NZ
5Mentorship is a relationship between two people where the individual with more experience knowledge and connections can pass along what they have learned to a more junior team member within your business Keep in mind though the mentor and the mentee do not necessarily need to be in the same business for the mentorship to be successful
1 Define the programrsquos goalTo get started you need to define the parameters of your program and what you want to achieve from it These should typically be designed to nurture talent and improve performance provide benefit to the company and enhance personal growth This should also be focused on where the business will benefit most
2 Outline the process in the workplace
Well-organised programs offer structure and support to maximise the value to both the team and the business Each program will be different so itrsquos important to provide quick simple points to outline
a) How the program can be accessed
b) Who can be a mentor (what level of experience or qualifications are required)
c) The duration of the mentorship
d) The format One-to-one or group setting
e) How will the programrsquos success be tracked and measured
In the case of a franchise business such as Think Water the use of modern technology auch as lsquoMicrosoft Teamsrsquo (and the like) is a very cost-effective group communication platform
3 Select program participantsMentoring thrives on diversity If you want your program to be successful it needs a diverse set of mentors and mentees to share thoughts ideas and experiences By doing so both parties can identify strengths and weaknesses and how they can work together to improve
4 Match mentors and menteesThe strengths and weaknesses of a mentee should be complimented and balanced by those of a mentor To enable an inspiring experience itrsquos important to be mindful of who yoursquore pairing and why Mentees should be matched based on several criteria for instance
a) Diverse yet complementary interests
b) Compatible personality
c) Age group similarities
d) Experience skills and ideas that meet the menteersquos future career goals
5 Provide trainingBefore during and after the program you should provide mentors with ongoing training and development to help them support their mentees Mentors must also learn how to balance their own expectations and the company objectives
The main goal of a mentorship initiative is to prepare your team members with the necessary tools for success Having a structured and organised program will allow goal-oriented team members to further develop their skills The best part is yoursquore able to utilise the resources and connections your company already has
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
16 THINK TANK | April 2021
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
17April 2021 | THINK TANK
Think Water Hawkes Bay
We are pleased to announce the new General Manager of Think Water Hawkes Bay Mark Allan
Walking into this position in October of 2020 Mark claims to have no formal qualifications or irrigation experience and due to the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience already within the team he wonrsquot need it
Throughout his career Mark has had an assortment of management roles including an 18 year span at Toll where he managed a business unit that was awarded lsquoBranch of the Yearrsquo for nine years straight and achieved the best EBIT as a percentage of revenue for 14+ years
From his first day on the job Mark said that team have been outstanding Everyone is so honest and open enabling him to develop a high-level view of where the business is currently positioned He highlights
the undoubting commitment and trust shown by owners Mark Tremain and Anthony Waites in handing their business over to him He says he doesnrsquot underestimate the difficulty the change would be after years of making decisions themselves but appreciates it nonetheless
Mark Tremain mentioned ldquoI am expecting Mark will bring in processes and organisation to our business to assist with looking after the areas that are often forgotten about but in fact are the most importantrdquo
ldquoI have attempted to not change the world overnight as I am a realist around understanding the business firstrdquo said Mark
While in his newly appointed position of General Manager he intends to be solely focused on ldquoworking on the businessrdquo Mark mentions the team has made great progress with a newly established OHampS committee and
weekly operational meetings such as a Monday morning tool-box meeting
With future plans in place to implement procedures such as a CRM and other IT systems that will enable more streamlined processes and efficient workflows The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities which will hopefully result in the elimination of the lsquoJack of all trades master of nonersquo syndrome
Mark also states his intention to review HR with a key focus on staff performance management and setting target objectives to better develop his team and ultimately benefit the business
Another goal of his is to begin aligning both of the Hawkes Bay retail stores to give a consistency of outcome for customers Mark plans to utilise current trade data historical activity and customer feedback from both stores to provide a gold mine of information to review and learn from
bull Fully galvanised wallsbull Quality Polytoughreg liner
bull Heavy duty galvanised trussesbull Built to Australian building codes
1800 008 888 w w w b u s h m a n t a n k s c o m a u
Not just another cable company
Call or email for further information07 3856 6182 | technicalpowerflexcablescomau
Pump Control ndash Alternating or Parallel Alternated control of two pumps (or other devices)
Pump Control amp Level Monitoring 10 different functions in one very compact device
Welcome to the team Mark Allan
ldquoTo achieve our goals we will be engaging with the team to explain lsquowhyrsquo something needs to change
not just that it is lsquochangingrsquordquo
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
18 THINK TANK | April 2021
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
Now Available at HR ProductsOffering a comprehensive Senninger Irrigation Solution
For more information on Senninger Impact Sprinklers please contact your local HR Representative
A highly accurate Woltman ParallelTurbine Water Meter pattern approved and tested in Australia for use in non-urban applications Dial for DN150 - DN300 size meters
Key Characteristicsbull Wide measuring range small pressure lossbull Low starting flow and high overload securitybull Pulse output with integrated reed switchbull Long - term accuracy and stabilitybull Swirl - reducing inlet designbull Replaceable measuring internalsbull Water - proof (IP68) hermetically sealed glasscopper registerbull Solid cast iron construction with durable epoxy coating for exposure to field applications
Applicationsbull For measuring of high flow ratesbull For horizontal or vertical installationbull For cold water up to 50deg Cbull For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required
Available Sizesbull 50mm - 300mm (2rdquo - 12rdquo)bull Table E flanged inletoutlet
To access the NMI Certificate of Approval go to httpswwwindustrygovausitesdefaultfilesnmicertificates-approval14-3-54_r1_0pdf
wwwhrproductscomau
For more information please contact your local HR Products sales office
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
HR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AMHR Products WPD Approved Water Meter Advertisement - Think Tank Catalogue 2021ai 1 17022021 81831 AM
Buried in your business system is a large amount of information about your customers Not only is this information useful to better understand when and how much your customers buy from you but also their potential share of wallet and collectively your market share within your main service area
Once you extract this information and do some basic analysis it can give you some great insights into your customers
bull Identify new customers and then workout how effective your marketing spend is
bull Compare how existing customers are purchasing year on year
bull Identify key markets you operate in- intuitively you know this-
however there may also be other markets yoursquore missing out on that may not be obvious
bull Compare your data with external data (ABS and other data sources) to work out market share
This information is also valuable to guide you on strategic decisions such as marketing spend target markets and opening up new opportunities such as new product lines
How do I extract this informationThe simplest way to do this is to export top line sales history by customer for each year into an Excel spreadsheet Most systems export as a CSV file ndash which is easily handled in Excel
Once this data is downloaded it can then be cleaned up and sorted ndash if this is a step too far then we can assist
Once the data is cleaned you can then allocate a market segment to each customer such as horticulture broadacre cashpos local government schools residential cattle sheep dairy lifestyle basically what ever fits your business and location
To then do further work on the data councils ABS Stats NZ or other sources will have localised information on farm enterprise numbers this can give you a good picture of your local area
Gold in dataHow analysing your sales data from previous years can tell you about your customers and business
Phil Best Operations Manager AU
COMPLETE WATER SOLUTIONS ENHANCED BY TECHNOLOGY
Low powered and cost remote monitoring and control
wwwtheyabbycomau
12 THINK TANK | April 2021
Here at Think Water we aim to ensure all employees are given access to gaining essential skills that are required in the workplace Employers will find that allowing employees to access training results in increased performance and engagement from the team It will also lead to improved employee retention in the business This is why the National Support Office always aims to provide excellent training solutions for our Members and their teams
Think Waterrsquos Digital Hub provides all this and more It is a digital online learning platform that is fully subsidised by the NSO The Hub gets updated monthly with hundreds of new training videos which ensures new and exciting content each year
Our aim for 2021 is to provide courses that are relevant effective and inspiring to ensure users stay engaged We carefully select our training options by finding engaging interactive and useful resources for our Members
This year users will see great topics around personal growth and workplace skills along with our yearly compliance courses around workplace behaviour business interaction and health and safety
The platform host is also introducing a lot of great new tools focused on self-help and mindfulness This provides options for users to access books and mindfulness tools that may be useful in work and outside of work This is forming a holistic training solution for Think Water Members and their teams
Some great new training courses that have recently been added to the Hub include the following
bull Managing Stress and Building Resilience
bull Emerging Leader Award
bull Effective Communication and Sales Skills
bull Successful Project Management
Scan the QR code to access the Digital Hub If you need an account created please email Aimee directly
A holistic training solution
Easy LokTough jobs made easyJoin large bore metric pipe fast and reliably every time
PHI0910-0321
PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1 26221 332 pm26221 332 pm
Aimee Hewson Business Support (AU amp NZ) amp HR Trainee
Think Water Northern Rivers
In recent months Think Water Northern Rivers have undertaken the implementation of numerous software programs and hardware upgrades to increase effeciency within the business
Software introduced includes H2Go Microsoft Teams Microsoft Project Windows 10 PipeDrive AutoCAD Erica IrriCAD Mondaycom and Microsoft Visio
By implementing the collaborative online sharing communication platform Microsoft Teams for both staff and contractors the Team has since noticed tremendous improvements in effective communication Email has become less clogged with ldquoconversationsrdquo and more informative Each department has easy access to relevant information allowing them to communicate with each other external suppliers and customers with ease
A new file structure procedure has been introduced allowing all files to be stored and saved in a sensical fashion This new structure prompts data collection for jobs that may have been missed previously version control documents and synchronises how information is saved
As part of the project all computer hardware has been upgraded which was quite a staggering cost for the business but has been balanced out with less need for external IT
assistance Due to all staff using Windows 10 our workflow is more effecient troubleshooting is easier and can be performed inhouse therefore saving money This business manoeuvre has allowed the company to make the first step in migrating towards a cloud-based network the programs are running smoother processes faster and the maintenance is now less
Microsoft Project has been introduced to assist in developing schedules assigning resources to tasks tracking progress managing the budget and analysing workloads It is currently being used by the Team for the design process and workflow and will eventually include installation timelines as well
lsquoMondaycomrsquo has been inplemented to assist with outlining the progress of each stage of the project (design quote and installation) Although the Team comments that Microsoft Project is the most successful project planning platform they have used so far
H2Go (Ostendo) was one of the first software packages to be introduced and is the core of our business H2Go is designed to assist staff in focusing on the range of operational activities that generate revenue and profits within the business while giving your accounting software system something to account for The Team has mentioned lsquoit has been a challenge to adapt to the system but is proving to be far more capable than
expectedrdquo H2Go links well with Xero our accounting software and Tyro our EFTPOS terminal
PipeDrive a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform has been inplemented to track the progress of quotes to sales customer communication and gauge the amount of work coming up to plan installations PipeDrive is also useful for measuring sales performance and assisting with cashflow predictions You can access this software remotely and itrsquos known to be reasonably user-friendly while costing about $124month in subscription fees
AutoCAD Erica and IrriCAD have been introduced to assist with drawing irrigation system designs and installation plans These programs both link with Microsoft Teams for data sharing
Implementing Microsoft Visio has given us the ability to draw and document flow charts for customers and installation technicians It is important to note that the program needs to be set up properly to be successful within the work flow Microsoft Visio is a cloud-based program costing $950 which makes it easier to work collaboratively between office and offsite staff
Although the digital upgrade project has been costly at times and a steep learning curve Lee Rothwell is happy with the result and reports a successful implementation and many improvements within the business from all aspects
Upgrading to increase efficiency within our business
14 THINK TANK | April 2021
Businesses require structure to grow and be profitable Planning the structure of your business ensures there are enough resources to meet the companyrsquos goals and each employee understands the reporting hireachy
This article outlines some key points to consider when conducting your organisational structure review
Job Descriptions and Optimising EmployeesRegardless of the kind of structure an organisation uses itrsquos critical to clearly identify job descriptions so that employees are aware of what is expected of them In addition the structure may identify weak spots or deficiencies in the companyrsquos current management team
CommunicationGood structure allows for better communication Since the flow of information is essential to an organisationrsquos success the structure should be designed with clear lines of communication in mind
Clear Reporting Relationships
Employees need a clear understanding of who they are accountable to Otherwise responsibility for a task may fall through the cracks wersquove all seen that before Each employee benefits by knowing whom they can turn to for direction or help
Establishing and Attaining ObjectivesThe design of an organisation structure should be in line with achieving company goals The business should be structured to enable the employees to help the company reach its targets most effectively
Growth and ExpansionCompanies that grow rapidly are those that typically make the best use of their resources A sound organisation structure ensures that the company has the right people in the right positions A well-designed organisation structure facilitates the completion of all projects Completing projects successfully leads to business growth
Remaining Stable Yet Flexible to Promote Growth
An organisationrsquos structure needs to provide a stable work environment for employees If a company undertakes several organisational changes in a short period of time employees may feel nervous about their position in the company and may be distracted from their day-to-day tasks leading to a loss of productivity
However itrsquos essential that an organisation is flexible to adapt to changes that are out of its control For example key individuals within the company can leave and economic or environmental factors can affect the profitability of the business A well structured business will be nimble and shift organisationally to accommodate these challenges
If you would like assistance with the structure of your business please contact Chris or your Operations Manager directly to discuss
Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
A A P I N D U S T R I E S C O M A U
ENGINEERING
PLUMBING
IRRIGATION
FIRE PROTECTION
MINING
OIL amp GAS
15April 2021 | THINK TANK
Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
Team members whoserve as mentors
also report greaterjob satisfaction
and greater career success
Mentoring programs have a positive
track record for enhancing the effectiveness of a teamrsquos success
said they would stay at a company longer if they were offered
opportunities to learn and grow
of team members
94
mentoring had a positive impact on their profits
of businessesbelieve
55
an increase in productivity due
to mentoring
of businessesreported
67
Andrew Walker Operations Manager NZ
5Mentorship is a relationship between two people where the individual with more experience knowledge and connections can pass along what they have learned to a more junior team member within your business Keep in mind though the mentor and the mentee do not necessarily need to be in the same business for the mentorship to be successful
1 Define the programrsquos goalTo get started you need to define the parameters of your program and what you want to achieve from it These should typically be designed to nurture talent and improve performance provide benefit to the company and enhance personal growth This should also be focused on where the business will benefit most
2 Outline the process in the workplace
Well-organised programs offer structure and support to maximise the value to both the team and the business Each program will be different so itrsquos important to provide quick simple points to outline
a) How the program can be accessed
b) Who can be a mentor (what level of experience or qualifications are required)
c) The duration of the mentorship
d) The format One-to-one or group setting
e) How will the programrsquos success be tracked and measured
In the case of a franchise business such as Think Water the use of modern technology auch as lsquoMicrosoft Teamsrsquo (and the like) is a very cost-effective group communication platform
3 Select program participantsMentoring thrives on diversity If you want your program to be successful it needs a diverse set of mentors and mentees to share thoughts ideas and experiences By doing so both parties can identify strengths and weaknesses and how they can work together to improve
4 Match mentors and menteesThe strengths and weaknesses of a mentee should be complimented and balanced by those of a mentor To enable an inspiring experience itrsquos important to be mindful of who yoursquore pairing and why Mentees should be matched based on several criteria for instance
a) Diverse yet complementary interests
b) Compatible personality
c) Age group similarities
d) Experience skills and ideas that meet the menteersquos future career goals
5 Provide trainingBefore during and after the program you should provide mentors with ongoing training and development to help them support their mentees Mentors must also learn how to balance their own expectations and the company objectives
The main goal of a mentorship initiative is to prepare your team members with the necessary tools for success Having a structured and organised program will allow goal-oriented team members to further develop their skills The best part is yoursquore able to utilise the resources and connections your company already has
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
16 THINK TANK | April 2021
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
17April 2021 | THINK TANK
Think Water Hawkes Bay
We are pleased to announce the new General Manager of Think Water Hawkes Bay Mark Allan
Walking into this position in October of 2020 Mark claims to have no formal qualifications or irrigation experience and due to the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience already within the team he wonrsquot need it
Throughout his career Mark has had an assortment of management roles including an 18 year span at Toll where he managed a business unit that was awarded lsquoBranch of the Yearrsquo for nine years straight and achieved the best EBIT as a percentage of revenue for 14+ years
From his first day on the job Mark said that team have been outstanding Everyone is so honest and open enabling him to develop a high-level view of where the business is currently positioned He highlights
the undoubting commitment and trust shown by owners Mark Tremain and Anthony Waites in handing their business over to him He says he doesnrsquot underestimate the difficulty the change would be after years of making decisions themselves but appreciates it nonetheless
Mark Tremain mentioned ldquoI am expecting Mark will bring in processes and organisation to our business to assist with looking after the areas that are often forgotten about but in fact are the most importantrdquo
ldquoI have attempted to not change the world overnight as I am a realist around understanding the business firstrdquo said Mark
While in his newly appointed position of General Manager he intends to be solely focused on ldquoworking on the businessrdquo Mark mentions the team has made great progress with a newly established OHampS committee and
weekly operational meetings such as a Monday morning tool-box meeting
With future plans in place to implement procedures such as a CRM and other IT systems that will enable more streamlined processes and efficient workflows The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities which will hopefully result in the elimination of the lsquoJack of all trades master of nonersquo syndrome
Mark also states his intention to review HR with a key focus on staff performance management and setting target objectives to better develop his team and ultimately benefit the business
Another goal of his is to begin aligning both of the Hawkes Bay retail stores to give a consistency of outcome for customers Mark plans to utilise current trade data historical activity and customer feedback from both stores to provide a gold mine of information to review and learn from
bull Fully galvanised wallsbull Quality Polytoughreg liner
bull Heavy duty galvanised trussesbull Built to Australian building codes
1800 008 888 w w w b u s h m a n t a n k s c o m a u
Not just another cable company
Call or email for further information07 3856 6182 | technicalpowerflexcablescomau
Pump Control ndash Alternating or Parallel Alternated control of two pumps (or other devices)
Pump Control amp Level Monitoring 10 different functions in one very compact device
Welcome to the team Mark Allan
ldquoTo achieve our goals we will be engaging with the team to explain lsquowhyrsquo something needs to change
not just that it is lsquochangingrsquordquo
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
18 THINK TANK | April 2021
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
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SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
Buried in your business system is a large amount of information about your customers Not only is this information useful to better understand when and how much your customers buy from you but also their potential share of wallet and collectively your market share within your main service area
Once you extract this information and do some basic analysis it can give you some great insights into your customers
bull Identify new customers and then workout how effective your marketing spend is
bull Compare how existing customers are purchasing year on year
bull Identify key markets you operate in- intuitively you know this-
however there may also be other markets yoursquore missing out on that may not be obvious
bull Compare your data with external data (ABS and other data sources) to work out market share
This information is also valuable to guide you on strategic decisions such as marketing spend target markets and opening up new opportunities such as new product lines
How do I extract this informationThe simplest way to do this is to export top line sales history by customer for each year into an Excel spreadsheet Most systems export as a CSV file ndash which is easily handled in Excel
Once this data is downloaded it can then be cleaned up and sorted ndash if this is a step too far then we can assist
Once the data is cleaned you can then allocate a market segment to each customer such as horticulture broadacre cashpos local government schools residential cattle sheep dairy lifestyle basically what ever fits your business and location
To then do further work on the data councils ABS Stats NZ or other sources will have localised information on farm enterprise numbers this can give you a good picture of your local area
Gold in dataHow analysing your sales data from previous years can tell you about your customers and business
Phil Best Operations Manager AU
COMPLETE WATER SOLUTIONS ENHANCED BY TECHNOLOGY
Low powered and cost remote monitoring and control
wwwtheyabbycomau
12 THINK TANK | April 2021
Here at Think Water we aim to ensure all employees are given access to gaining essential skills that are required in the workplace Employers will find that allowing employees to access training results in increased performance and engagement from the team It will also lead to improved employee retention in the business This is why the National Support Office always aims to provide excellent training solutions for our Members and their teams
Think Waterrsquos Digital Hub provides all this and more It is a digital online learning platform that is fully subsidised by the NSO The Hub gets updated monthly with hundreds of new training videos which ensures new and exciting content each year
Our aim for 2021 is to provide courses that are relevant effective and inspiring to ensure users stay engaged We carefully select our training options by finding engaging interactive and useful resources for our Members
This year users will see great topics around personal growth and workplace skills along with our yearly compliance courses around workplace behaviour business interaction and health and safety
The platform host is also introducing a lot of great new tools focused on self-help and mindfulness This provides options for users to access books and mindfulness tools that may be useful in work and outside of work This is forming a holistic training solution for Think Water Members and their teams
Some great new training courses that have recently been added to the Hub include the following
bull Managing Stress and Building Resilience
bull Emerging Leader Award
bull Effective Communication and Sales Skills
bull Successful Project Management
Scan the QR code to access the Digital Hub If you need an account created please email Aimee directly
A holistic training solution
Easy LokTough jobs made easyJoin large bore metric pipe fast and reliably every time
PHI0910-0321
PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1 26221 332 pm26221 332 pm
Aimee Hewson Business Support (AU amp NZ) amp HR Trainee
Think Water Northern Rivers
In recent months Think Water Northern Rivers have undertaken the implementation of numerous software programs and hardware upgrades to increase effeciency within the business
Software introduced includes H2Go Microsoft Teams Microsoft Project Windows 10 PipeDrive AutoCAD Erica IrriCAD Mondaycom and Microsoft Visio
By implementing the collaborative online sharing communication platform Microsoft Teams for both staff and contractors the Team has since noticed tremendous improvements in effective communication Email has become less clogged with ldquoconversationsrdquo and more informative Each department has easy access to relevant information allowing them to communicate with each other external suppliers and customers with ease
A new file structure procedure has been introduced allowing all files to be stored and saved in a sensical fashion This new structure prompts data collection for jobs that may have been missed previously version control documents and synchronises how information is saved
As part of the project all computer hardware has been upgraded which was quite a staggering cost for the business but has been balanced out with less need for external IT
assistance Due to all staff using Windows 10 our workflow is more effecient troubleshooting is easier and can be performed inhouse therefore saving money This business manoeuvre has allowed the company to make the first step in migrating towards a cloud-based network the programs are running smoother processes faster and the maintenance is now less
Microsoft Project has been introduced to assist in developing schedules assigning resources to tasks tracking progress managing the budget and analysing workloads It is currently being used by the Team for the design process and workflow and will eventually include installation timelines as well
lsquoMondaycomrsquo has been inplemented to assist with outlining the progress of each stage of the project (design quote and installation) Although the Team comments that Microsoft Project is the most successful project planning platform they have used so far
H2Go (Ostendo) was one of the first software packages to be introduced and is the core of our business H2Go is designed to assist staff in focusing on the range of operational activities that generate revenue and profits within the business while giving your accounting software system something to account for The Team has mentioned lsquoit has been a challenge to adapt to the system but is proving to be far more capable than
expectedrdquo H2Go links well with Xero our accounting software and Tyro our EFTPOS terminal
PipeDrive a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform has been inplemented to track the progress of quotes to sales customer communication and gauge the amount of work coming up to plan installations PipeDrive is also useful for measuring sales performance and assisting with cashflow predictions You can access this software remotely and itrsquos known to be reasonably user-friendly while costing about $124month in subscription fees
AutoCAD Erica and IrriCAD have been introduced to assist with drawing irrigation system designs and installation plans These programs both link with Microsoft Teams for data sharing
Implementing Microsoft Visio has given us the ability to draw and document flow charts for customers and installation technicians It is important to note that the program needs to be set up properly to be successful within the work flow Microsoft Visio is a cloud-based program costing $950 which makes it easier to work collaboratively between office and offsite staff
Although the digital upgrade project has been costly at times and a steep learning curve Lee Rothwell is happy with the result and reports a successful implementation and many improvements within the business from all aspects
Upgrading to increase efficiency within our business
14 THINK TANK | April 2021
Businesses require structure to grow and be profitable Planning the structure of your business ensures there are enough resources to meet the companyrsquos goals and each employee understands the reporting hireachy
This article outlines some key points to consider when conducting your organisational structure review
Job Descriptions and Optimising EmployeesRegardless of the kind of structure an organisation uses itrsquos critical to clearly identify job descriptions so that employees are aware of what is expected of them In addition the structure may identify weak spots or deficiencies in the companyrsquos current management team
CommunicationGood structure allows for better communication Since the flow of information is essential to an organisationrsquos success the structure should be designed with clear lines of communication in mind
Clear Reporting Relationships
Employees need a clear understanding of who they are accountable to Otherwise responsibility for a task may fall through the cracks wersquove all seen that before Each employee benefits by knowing whom they can turn to for direction or help
Establishing and Attaining ObjectivesThe design of an organisation structure should be in line with achieving company goals The business should be structured to enable the employees to help the company reach its targets most effectively
Growth and ExpansionCompanies that grow rapidly are those that typically make the best use of their resources A sound organisation structure ensures that the company has the right people in the right positions A well-designed organisation structure facilitates the completion of all projects Completing projects successfully leads to business growth
Remaining Stable Yet Flexible to Promote Growth
An organisationrsquos structure needs to provide a stable work environment for employees If a company undertakes several organisational changes in a short period of time employees may feel nervous about their position in the company and may be distracted from their day-to-day tasks leading to a loss of productivity
However itrsquos essential that an organisation is flexible to adapt to changes that are out of its control For example key individuals within the company can leave and economic or environmental factors can affect the profitability of the business A well structured business will be nimble and shift organisationally to accommodate these challenges
If you would like assistance with the structure of your business please contact Chris or your Operations Manager directly to discuss
Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
A A P I N D U S T R I E S C O M A U
ENGINEERING
PLUMBING
IRRIGATION
FIRE PROTECTION
MINING
OIL amp GAS
15April 2021 | THINK TANK
Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
Team members whoserve as mentors
also report greaterjob satisfaction
and greater career success
Mentoring programs have a positive
track record for enhancing the effectiveness of a teamrsquos success
said they would stay at a company longer if they were offered
opportunities to learn and grow
of team members
94
mentoring had a positive impact on their profits
of businessesbelieve
55
an increase in productivity due
to mentoring
of businessesreported
67
Andrew Walker Operations Manager NZ
5Mentorship is a relationship between two people where the individual with more experience knowledge and connections can pass along what they have learned to a more junior team member within your business Keep in mind though the mentor and the mentee do not necessarily need to be in the same business for the mentorship to be successful
1 Define the programrsquos goalTo get started you need to define the parameters of your program and what you want to achieve from it These should typically be designed to nurture talent and improve performance provide benefit to the company and enhance personal growth This should also be focused on where the business will benefit most
2 Outline the process in the workplace
Well-organised programs offer structure and support to maximise the value to both the team and the business Each program will be different so itrsquos important to provide quick simple points to outline
a) How the program can be accessed
b) Who can be a mentor (what level of experience or qualifications are required)
c) The duration of the mentorship
d) The format One-to-one or group setting
e) How will the programrsquos success be tracked and measured
In the case of a franchise business such as Think Water the use of modern technology auch as lsquoMicrosoft Teamsrsquo (and the like) is a very cost-effective group communication platform
3 Select program participantsMentoring thrives on diversity If you want your program to be successful it needs a diverse set of mentors and mentees to share thoughts ideas and experiences By doing so both parties can identify strengths and weaknesses and how they can work together to improve
4 Match mentors and menteesThe strengths and weaknesses of a mentee should be complimented and balanced by those of a mentor To enable an inspiring experience itrsquos important to be mindful of who yoursquore pairing and why Mentees should be matched based on several criteria for instance
a) Diverse yet complementary interests
b) Compatible personality
c) Age group similarities
d) Experience skills and ideas that meet the menteersquos future career goals
5 Provide trainingBefore during and after the program you should provide mentors with ongoing training and development to help them support their mentees Mentors must also learn how to balance their own expectations and the company objectives
The main goal of a mentorship initiative is to prepare your team members with the necessary tools for success Having a structured and organised program will allow goal-oriented team members to further develop their skills The best part is yoursquore able to utilise the resources and connections your company already has
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
16 THINK TANK | April 2021
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
17April 2021 | THINK TANK
Think Water Hawkes Bay
We are pleased to announce the new General Manager of Think Water Hawkes Bay Mark Allan
Walking into this position in October of 2020 Mark claims to have no formal qualifications or irrigation experience and due to the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience already within the team he wonrsquot need it
Throughout his career Mark has had an assortment of management roles including an 18 year span at Toll where he managed a business unit that was awarded lsquoBranch of the Yearrsquo for nine years straight and achieved the best EBIT as a percentage of revenue for 14+ years
From his first day on the job Mark said that team have been outstanding Everyone is so honest and open enabling him to develop a high-level view of where the business is currently positioned He highlights
the undoubting commitment and trust shown by owners Mark Tremain and Anthony Waites in handing their business over to him He says he doesnrsquot underestimate the difficulty the change would be after years of making decisions themselves but appreciates it nonetheless
Mark Tremain mentioned ldquoI am expecting Mark will bring in processes and organisation to our business to assist with looking after the areas that are often forgotten about but in fact are the most importantrdquo
ldquoI have attempted to not change the world overnight as I am a realist around understanding the business firstrdquo said Mark
While in his newly appointed position of General Manager he intends to be solely focused on ldquoworking on the businessrdquo Mark mentions the team has made great progress with a newly established OHampS committee and
weekly operational meetings such as a Monday morning tool-box meeting
With future plans in place to implement procedures such as a CRM and other IT systems that will enable more streamlined processes and efficient workflows The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities which will hopefully result in the elimination of the lsquoJack of all trades master of nonersquo syndrome
Mark also states his intention to review HR with a key focus on staff performance management and setting target objectives to better develop his team and ultimately benefit the business
Another goal of his is to begin aligning both of the Hawkes Bay retail stores to give a consistency of outcome for customers Mark plans to utilise current trade data historical activity and customer feedback from both stores to provide a gold mine of information to review and learn from
bull Fully galvanised wallsbull Quality Polytoughreg liner
bull Heavy duty galvanised trussesbull Built to Australian building codes
1800 008 888 w w w b u s h m a n t a n k s c o m a u
Not just another cable company
Call or email for further information07 3856 6182 | technicalpowerflexcablescomau
Pump Control ndash Alternating or Parallel Alternated control of two pumps (or other devices)
Pump Control amp Level Monitoring 10 different functions in one very compact device
Welcome to the team Mark Allan
ldquoTo achieve our goals we will be engaging with the team to explain lsquowhyrsquo something needs to change
not just that it is lsquochangingrsquordquo
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
18 THINK TANK | April 2021
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FREE CALL 1800 531 847
SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
Here at Think Water we aim to ensure all employees are given access to gaining essential skills that are required in the workplace Employers will find that allowing employees to access training results in increased performance and engagement from the team It will also lead to improved employee retention in the business This is why the National Support Office always aims to provide excellent training solutions for our Members and their teams
Think Waterrsquos Digital Hub provides all this and more It is a digital online learning platform that is fully subsidised by the NSO The Hub gets updated monthly with hundreds of new training videos which ensures new and exciting content each year
Our aim for 2021 is to provide courses that are relevant effective and inspiring to ensure users stay engaged We carefully select our training options by finding engaging interactive and useful resources for our Members
This year users will see great topics around personal growth and workplace skills along with our yearly compliance courses around workplace behaviour business interaction and health and safety
The platform host is also introducing a lot of great new tools focused on self-help and mindfulness This provides options for users to access books and mindfulness tools that may be useful in work and outside of work This is forming a holistic training solution for Think Water Members and their teams
Some great new training courses that have recently been added to the Hub include the following
bull Managing Stress and Building Resilience
bull Emerging Leader Award
bull Effective Communication and Sales Skills
bull Successful Project Management
Scan the QR code to access the Digital Hub If you need an account created please email Aimee directly
A holistic training solution
Easy LokTough jobs made easyJoin large bore metric pipe fast and reliably every time
PHI0910-0321
PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1PHI0910 Think Tank EasyLOK Adindd 1 26221 332 pm26221 332 pm
Aimee Hewson Business Support (AU amp NZ) amp HR Trainee
Think Water Northern Rivers
In recent months Think Water Northern Rivers have undertaken the implementation of numerous software programs and hardware upgrades to increase effeciency within the business
Software introduced includes H2Go Microsoft Teams Microsoft Project Windows 10 PipeDrive AutoCAD Erica IrriCAD Mondaycom and Microsoft Visio
By implementing the collaborative online sharing communication platform Microsoft Teams for both staff and contractors the Team has since noticed tremendous improvements in effective communication Email has become less clogged with ldquoconversationsrdquo and more informative Each department has easy access to relevant information allowing them to communicate with each other external suppliers and customers with ease
A new file structure procedure has been introduced allowing all files to be stored and saved in a sensical fashion This new structure prompts data collection for jobs that may have been missed previously version control documents and synchronises how information is saved
As part of the project all computer hardware has been upgraded which was quite a staggering cost for the business but has been balanced out with less need for external IT
assistance Due to all staff using Windows 10 our workflow is more effecient troubleshooting is easier and can be performed inhouse therefore saving money This business manoeuvre has allowed the company to make the first step in migrating towards a cloud-based network the programs are running smoother processes faster and the maintenance is now less
Microsoft Project has been introduced to assist in developing schedules assigning resources to tasks tracking progress managing the budget and analysing workloads It is currently being used by the Team for the design process and workflow and will eventually include installation timelines as well
lsquoMondaycomrsquo has been inplemented to assist with outlining the progress of each stage of the project (design quote and installation) Although the Team comments that Microsoft Project is the most successful project planning platform they have used so far
H2Go (Ostendo) was one of the first software packages to be introduced and is the core of our business H2Go is designed to assist staff in focusing on the range of operational activities that generate revenue and profits within the business while giving your accounting software system something to account for The Team has mentioned lsquoit has been a challenge to adapt to the system but is proving to be far more capable than
expectedrdquo H2Go links well with Xero our accounting software and Tyro our EFTPOS terminal
PipeDrive a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform has been inplemented to track the progress of quotes to sales customer communication and gauge the amount of work coming up to plan installations PipeDrive is also useful for measuring sales performance and assisting with cashflow predictions You can access this software remotely and itrsquos known to be reasonably user-friendly while costing about $124month in subscription fees
AutoCAD Erica and IrriCAD have been introduced to assist with drawing irrigation system designs and installation plans These programs both link with Microsoft Teams for data sharing
Implementing Microsoft Visio has given us the ability to draw and document flow charts for customers and installation technicians It is important to note that the program needs to be set up properly to be successful within the work flow Microsoft Visio is a cloud-based program costing $950 which makes it easier to work collaboratively between office and offsite staff
Although the digital upgrade project has been costly at times and a steep learning curve Lee Rothwell is happy with the result and reports a successful implementation and many improvements within the business from all aspects
Upgrading to increase efficiency within our business
14 THINK TANK | April 2021
Businesses require structure to grow and be profitable Planning the structure of your business ensures there are enough resources to meet the companyrsquos goals and each employee understands the reporting hireachy
This article outlines some key points to consider when conducting your organisational structure review
Job Descriptions and Optimising EmployeesRegardless of the kind of structure an organisation uses itrsquos critical to clearly identify job descriptions so that employees are aware of what is expected of them In addition the structure may identify weak spots or deficiencies in the companyrsquos current management team
CommunicationGood structure allows for better communication Since the flow of information is essential to an organisationrsquos success the structure should be designed with clear lines of communication in mind
Clear Reporting Relationships
Employees need a clear understanding of who they are accountable to Otherwise responsibility for a task may fall through the cracks wersquove all seen that before Each employee benefits by knowing whom they can turn to for direction or help
Establishing and Attaining ObjectivesThe design of an organisation structure should be in line with achieving company goals The business should be structured to enable the employees to help the company reach its targets most effectively
Growth and ExpansionCompanies that grow rapidly are those that typically make the best use of their resources A sound organisation structure ensures that the company has the right people in the right positions A well-designed organisation structure facilitates the completion of all projects Completing projects successfully leads to business growth
Remaining Stable Yet Flexible to Promote Growth
An organisationrsquos structure needs to provide a stable work environment for employees If a company undertakes several organisational changes in a short period of time employees may feel nervous about their position in the company and may be distracted from their day-to-day tasks leading to a loss of productivity
However itrsquos essential that an organisation is flexible to adapt to changes that are out of its control For example key individuals within the company can leave and economic or environmental factors can affect the profitability of the business A well structured business will be nimble and shift organisationally to accommodate these challenges
If you would like assistance with the structure of your business please contact Chris or your Operations Manager directly to discuss
Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
A A P I N D U S T R I E S C O M A U
ENGINEERING
PLUMBING
IRRIGATION
FIRE PROTECTION
MINING
OIL amp GAS
15April 2021 | THINK TANK
Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
Team members whoserve as mentors
also report greaterjob satisfaction
and greater career success
Mentoring programs have a positive
track record for enhancing the effectiveness of a teamrsquos success
said they would stay at a company longer if they were offered
opportunities to learn and grow
of team members
94
mentoring had a positive impact on their profits
of businessesbelieve
55
an increase in productivity due
to mentoring
of businessesreported
67
Andrew Walker Operations Manager NZ
5Mentorship is a relationship between two people where the individual with more experience knowledge and connections can pass along what they have learned to a more junior team member within your business Keep in mind though the mentor and the mentee do not necessarily need to be in the same business for the mentorship to be successful
1 Define the programrsquos goalTo get started you need to define the parameters of your program and what you want to achieve from it These should typically be designed to nurture talent and improve performance provide benefit to the company and enhance personal growth This should also be focused on where the business will benefit most
2 Outline the process in the workplace
Well-organised programs offer structure and support to maximise the value to both the team and the business Each program will be different so itrsquos important to provide quick simple points to outline
a) How the program can be accessed
b) Who can be a mentor (what level of experience or qualifications are required)
c) The duration of the mentorship
d) The format One-to-one or group setting
e) How will the programrsquos success be tracked and measured
In the case of a franchise business such as Think Water the use of modern technology auch as lsquoMicrosoft Teamsrsquo (and the like) is a very cost-effective group communication platform
3 Select program participantsMentoring thrives on diversity If you want your program to be successful it needs a diverse set of mentors and mentees to share thoughts ideas and experiences By doing so both parties can identify strengths and weaknesses and how they can work together to improve
4 Match mentors and menteesThe strengths and weaknesses of a mentee should be complimented and balanced by those of a mentor To enable an inspiring experience itrsquos important to be mindful of who yoursquore pairing and why Mentees should be matched based on several criteria for instance
a) Diverse yet complementary interests
b) Compatible personality
c) Age group similarities
d) Experience skills and ideas that meet the menteersquos future career goals
5 Provide trainingBefore during and after the program you should provide mentors with ongoing training and development to help them support their mentees Mentors must also learn how to balance their own expectations and the company objectives
The main goal of a mentorship initiative is to prepare your team members with the necessary tools for success Having a structured and organised program will allow goal-oriented team members to further develop their skills The best part is yoursquore able to utilise the resources and connections your company already has
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
16 THINK TANK | April 2021
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
17April 2021 | THINK TANK
Think Water Hawkes Bay
We are pleased to announce the new General Manager of Think Water Hawkes Bay Mark Allan
Walking into this position in October of 2020 Mark claims to have no formal qualifications or irrigation experience and due to the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience already within the team he wonrsquot need it
Throughout his career Mark has had an assortment of management roles including an 18 year span at Toll where he managed a business unit that was awarded lsquoBranch of the Yearrsquo for nine years straight and achieved the best EBIT as a percentage of revenue for 14+ years
From his first day on the job Mark said that team have been outstanding Everyone is so honest and open enabling him to develop a high-level view of where the business is currently positioned He highlights
the undoubting commitment and trust shown by owners Mark Tremain and Anthony Waites in handing their business over to him He says he doesnrsquot underestimate the difficulty the change would be after years of making decisions themselves but appreciates it nonetheless
Mark Tremain mentioned ldquoI am expecting Mark will bring in processes and organisation to our business to assist with looking after the areas that are often forgotten about but in fact are the most importantrdquo
ldquoI have attempted to not change the world overnight as I am a realist around understanding the business firstrdquo said Mark
While in his newly appointed position of General Manager he intends to be solely focused on ldquoworking on the businessrdquo Mark mentions the team has made great progress with a newly established OHampS committee and
weekly operational meetings such as a Monday morning tool-box meeting
With future plans in place to implement procedures such as a CRM and other IT systems that will enable more streamlined processes and efficient workflows The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities which will hopefully result in the elimination of the lsquoJack of all trades master of nonersquo syndrome
Mark also states his intention to review HR with a key focus on staff performance management and setting target objectives to better develop his team and ultimately benefit the business
Another goal of his is to begin aligning both of the Hawkes Bay retail stores to give a consistency of outcome for customers Mark plans to utilise current trade data historical activity and customer feedback from both stores to provide a gold mine of information to review and learn from
bull Fully galvanised wallsbull Quality Polytoughreg liner
bull Heavy duty galvanised trussesbull Built to Australian building codes
1800 008 888 w w w b u s h m a n t a n k s c o m a u
Not just another cable company
Call or email for further information07 3856 6182 | technicalpowerflexcablescomau
Pump Control ndash Alternating or Parallel Alternated control of two pumps (or other devices)
Pump Control amp Level Monitoring 10 different functions in one very compact device
Welcome to the team Mark Allan
ldquoTo achieve our goals we will be engaging with the team to explain lsquowhyrsquo something needs to change
not just that it is lsquochangingrsquordquo
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
18 THINK TANK | April 2021
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
Think Water Northern Rivers
In recent months Think Water Northern Rivers have undertaken the implementation of numerous software programs and hardware upgrades to increase effeciency within the business
Software introduced includes H2Go Microsoft Teams Microsoft Project Windows 10 PipeDrive AutoCAD Erica IrriCAD Mondaycom and Microsoft Visio
By implementing the collaborative online sharing communication platform Microsoft Teams for both staff and contractors the Team has since noticed tremendous improvements in effective communication Email has become less clogged with ldquoconversationsrdquo and more informative Each department has easy access to relevant information allowing them to communicate with each other external suppliers and customers with ease
A new file structure procedure has been introduced allowing all files to be stored and saved in a sensical fashion This new structure prompts data collection for jobs that may have been missed previously version control documents and synchronises how information is saved
As part of the project all computer hardware has been upgraded which was quite a staggering cost for the business but has been balanced out with less need for external IT
assistance Due to all staff using Windows 10 our workflow is more effecient troubleshooting is easier and can be performed inhouse therefore saving money This business manoeuvre has allowed the company to make the first step in migrating towards a cloud-based network the programs are running smoother processes faster and the maintenance is now less
Microsoft Project has been introduced to assist in developing schedules assigning resources to tasks tracking progress managing the budget and analysing workloads It is currently being used by the Team for the design process and workflow and will eventually include installation timelines as well
lsquoMondaycomrsquo has been inplemented to assist with outlining the progress of each stage of the project (design quote and installation) Although the Team comments that Microsoft Project is the most successful project planning platform they have used so far
H2Go (Ostendo) was one of the first software packages to be introduced and is the core of our business H2Go is designed to assist staff in focusing on the range of operational activities that generate revenue and profits within the business while giving your accounting software system something to account for The Team has mentioned lsquoit has been a challenge to adapt to the system but is proving to be far more capable than
expectedrdquo H2Go links well with Xero our accounting software and Tyro our EFTPOS terminal
PipeDrive a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform has been inplemented to track the progress of quotes to sales customer communication and gauge the amount of work coming up to plan installations PipeDrive is also useful for measuring sales performance and assisting with cashflow predictions You can access this software remotely and itrsquos known to be reasonably user-friendly while costing about $124month in subscription fees
AutoCAD Erica and IrriCAD have been introduced to assist with drawing irrigation system designs and installation plans These programs both link with Microsoft Teams for data sharing
Implementing Microsoft Visio has given us the ability to draw and document flow charts for customers and installation technicians It is important to note that the program needs to be set up properly to be successful within the work flow Microsoft Visio is a cloud-based program costing $950 which makes it easier to work collaboratively between office and offsite staff
Although the digital upgrade project has been costly at times and a steep learning curve Lee Rothwell is happy with the result and reports a successful implementation and many improvements within the business from all aspects
Upgrading to increase efficiency within our business
14 THINK TANK | April 2021
Businesses require structure to grow and be profitable Planning the structure of your business ensures there are enough resources to meet the companyrsquos goals and each employee understands the reporting hireachy
This article outlines some key points to consider when conducting your organisational structure review
Job Descriptions and Optimising EmployeesRegardless of the kind of structure an organisation uses itrsquos critical to clearly identify job descriptions so that employees are aware of what is expected of them In addition the structure may identify weak spots or deficiencies in the companyrsquos current management team
CommunicationGood structure allows for better communication Since the flow of information is essential to an organisationrsquos success the structure should be designed with clear lines of communication in mind
Clear Reporting Relationships
Employees need a clear understanding of who they are accountable to Otherwise responsibility for a task may fall through the cracks wersquove all seen that before Each employee benefits by knowing whom they can turn to for direction or help
Establishing and Attaining ObjectivesThe design of an organisation structure should be in line with achieving company goals The business should be structured to enable the employees to help the company reach its targets most effectively
Growth and ExpansionCompanies that grow rapidly are those that typically make the best use of their resources A sound organisation structure ensures that the company has the right people in the right positions A well-designed organisation structure facilitates the completion of all projects Completing projects successfully leads to business growth
Remaining Stable Yet Flexible to Promote Growth
An organisationrsquos structure needs to provide a stable work environment for employees If a company undertakes several organisational changes in a short period of time employees may feel nervous about their position in the company and may be distracted from their day-to-day tasks leading to a loss of productivity
However itrsquos essential that an organisation is flexible to adapt to changes that are out of its control For example key individuals within the company can leave and economic or environmental factors can affect the profitability of the business A well structured business will be nimble and shift organisationally to accommodate these challenges
If you would like assistance with the structure of your business please contact Chris or your Operations Manager directly to discuss
Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
A A P I N D U S T R I E S C O M A U
ENGINEERING
PLUMBING
IRRIGATION
FIRE PROTECTION
MINING
OIL amp GAS
15April 2021 | THINK TANK
Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
Team members whoserve as mentors
also report greaterjob satisfaction
and greater career success
Mentoring programs have a positive
track record for enhancing the effectiveness of a teamrsquos success
said they would stay at a company longer if they were offered
opportunities to learn and grow
of team members
94
mentoring had a positive impact on their profits
of businessesbelieve
55
an increase in productivity due
to mentoring
of businessesreported
67
Andrew Walker Operations Manager NZ
5Mentorship is a relationship between two people where the individual with more experience knowledge and connections can pass along what they have learned to a more junior team member within your business Keep in mind though the mentor and the mentee do not necessarily need to be in the same business for the mentorship to be successful
1 Define the programrsquos goalTo get started you need to define the parameters of your program and what you want to achieve from it These should typically be designed to nurture talent and improve performance provide benefit to the company and enhance personal growth This should also be focused on where the business will benefit most
2 Outline the process in the workplace
Well-organised programs offer structure and support to maximise the value to both the team and the business Each program will be different so itrsquos important to provide quick simple points to outline
a) How the program can be accessed
b) Who can be a mentor (what level of experience or qualifications are required)
c) The duration of the mentorship
d) The format One-to-one or group setting
e) How will the programrsquos success be tracked and measured
In the case of a franchise business such as Think Water the use of modern technology auch as lsquoMicrosoft Teamsrsquo (and the like) is a very cost-effective group communication platform
3 Select program participantsMentoring thrives on diversity If you want your program to be successful it needs a diverse set of mentors and mentees to share thoughts ideas and experiences By doing so both parties can identify strengths and weaknesses and how they can work together to improve
4 Match mentors and menteesThe strengths and weaknesses of a mentee should be complimented and balanced by those of a mentor To enable an inspiring experience itrsquos important to be mindful of who yoursquore pairing and why Mentees should be matched based on several criteria for instance
a) Diverse yet complementary interests
b) Compatible personality
c) Age group similarities
d) Experience skills and ideas that meet the menteersquos future career goals
5 Provide trainingBefore during and after the program you should provide mentors with ongoing training and development to help them support their mentees Mentors must also learn how to balance their own expectations and the company objectives
The main goal of a mentorship initiative is to prepare your team members with the necessary tools for success Having a structured and organised program will allow goal-oriented team members to further develop their skills The best part is yoursquore able to utilise the resources and connections your company already has
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
16 THINK TANK | April 2021
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
17April 2021 | THINK TANK
Think Water Hawkes Bay
We are pleased to announce the new General Manager of Think Water Hawkes Bay Mark Allan
Walking into this position in October of 2020 Mark claims to have no formal qualifications or irrigation experience and due to the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience already within the team he wonrsquot need it
Throughout his career Mark has had an assortment of management roles including an 18 year span at Toll where he managed a business unit that was awarded lsquoBranch of the Yearrsquo for nine years straight and achieved the best EBIT as a percentage of revenue for 14+ years
From his first day on the job Mark said that team have been outstanding Everyone is so honest and open enabling him to develop a high-level view of where the business is currently positioned He highlights
the undoubting commitment and trust shown by owners Mark Tremain and Anthony Waites in handing their business over to him He says he doesnrsquot underestimate the difficulty the change would be after years of making decisions themselves but appreciates it nonetheless
Mark Tremain mentioned ldquoI am expecting Mark will bring in processes and organisation to our business to assist with looking after the areas that are often forgotten about but in fact are the most importantrdquo
ldquoI have attempted to not change the world overnight as I am a realist around understanding the business firstrdquo said Mark
While in his newly appointed position of General Manager he intends to be solely focused on ldquoworking on the businessrdquo Mark mentions the team has made great progress with a newly established OHampS committee and
weekly operational meetings such as a Monday morning tool-box meeting
With future plans in place to implement procedures such as a CRM and other IT systems that will enable more streamlined processes and efficient workflows The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities which will hopefully result in the elimination of the lsquoJack of all trades master of nonersquo syndrome
Mark also states his intention to review HR with a key focus on staff performance management and setting target objectives to better develop his team and ultimately benefit the business
Another goal of his is to begin aligning both of the Hawkes Bay retail stores to give a consistency of outcome for customers Mark plans to utilise current trade data historical activity and customer feedback from both stores to provide a gold mine of information to review and learn from
bull Fully galvanised wallsbull Quality Polytoughreg liner
bull Heavy duty galvanised trussesbull Built to Australian building codes
1800 008 888 w w w b u s h m a n t a n k s c o m a u
Not just another cable company
Call or email for further information07 3856 6182 | technicalpowerflexcablescomau
Pump Control ndash Alternating or Parallel Alternated control of two pumps (or other devices)
Pump Control amp Level Monitoring 10 different functions in one very compact device
Welcome to the team Mark Allan
ldquoTo achieve our goals we will be engaging with the team to explain lsquowhyrsquo something needs to change
not just that it is lsquochangingrsquordquo
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
18 THINK TANK | April 2021
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
Businesses require structure to grow and be profitable Planning the structure of your business ensures there are enough resources to meet the companyrsquos goals and each employee understands the reporting hireachy
This article outlines some key points to consider when conducting your organisational structure review
Job Descriptions and Optimising EmployeesRegardless of the kind of structure an organisation uses itrsquos critical to clearly identify job descriptions so that employees are aware of what is expected of them In addition the structure may identify weak spots or deficiencies in the companyrsquos current management team
CommunicationGood structure allows for better communication Since the flow of information is essential to an organisationrsquos success the structure should be designed with clear lines of communication in mind
Clear Reporting Relationships
Employees need a clear understanding of who they are accountable to Otherwise responsibility for a task may fall through the cracks wersquove all seen that before Each employee benefits by knowing whom they can turn to for direction or help
Establishing and Attaining ObjectivesThe design of an organisation structure should be in line with achieving company goals The business should be structured to enable the employees to help the company reach its targets most effectively
Growth and ExpansionCompanies that grow rapidly are those that typically make the best use of their resources A sound organisation structure ensures that the company has the right people in the right positions A well-designed organisation structure facilitates the completion of all projects Completing projects successfully leads to business growth
Remaining Stable Yet Flexible to Promote Growth
An organisationrsquos structure needs to provide a stable work environment for employees If a company undertakes several organisational changes in a short period of time employees may feel nervous about their position in the company and may be distracted from their day-to-day tasks leading to a loss of productivity
However itrsquos essential that an organisation is flexible to adapt to changes that are out of its control For example key individuals within the company can leave and economic or environmental factors can affect the profitability of the business A well structured business will be nimble and shift organisationally to accommodate these challenges
If you would like assistance with the structure of your business please contact Chris or your Operations Manager directly to discuss
Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
A A P I N D U S T R I E S C O M A U
ENGINEERING
PLUMBING
IRRIGATION
FIRE PROTECTION
MINING
OIL amp GAS
15April 2021 | THINK TANK
Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
Team members whoserve as mentors
also report greaterjob satisfaction
and greater career success
Mentoring programs have a positive
track record for enhancing the effectiveness of a teamrsquos success
said they would stay at a company longer if they were offered
opportunities to learn and grow
of team members
94
mentoring had a positive impact on their profits
of businessesbelieve
55
an increase in productivity due
to mentoring
of businessesreported
67
Andrew Walker Operations Manager NZ
5Mentorship is a relationship between two people where the individual with more experience knowledge and connections can pass along what they have learned to a more junior team member within your business Keep in mind though the mentor and the mentee do not necessarily need to be in the same business for the mentorship to be successful
1 Define the programrsquos goalTo get started you need to define the parameters of your program and what you want to achieve from it These should typically be designed to nurture talent and improve performance provide benefit to the company and enhance personal growth This should also be focused on where the business will benefit most
2 Outline the process in the workplace
Well-organised programs offer structure and support to maximise the value to both the team and the business Each program will be different so itrsquos important to provide quick simple points to outline
a) How the program can be accessed
b) Who can be a mentor (what level of experience or qualifications are required)
c) The duration of the mentorship
d) The format One-to-one or group setting
e) How will the programrsquos success be tracked and measured
In the case of a franchise business such as Think Water the use of modern technology auch as lsquoMicrosoft Teamsrsquo (and the like) is a very cost-effective group communication platform
3 Select program participantsMentoring thrives on diversity If you want your program to be successful it needs a diverse set of mentors and mentees to share thoughts ideas and experiences By doing so both parties can identify strengths and weaknesses and how they can work together to improve
4 Match mentors and menteesThe strengths and weaknesses of a mentee should be complimented and balanced by those of a mentor To enable an inspiring experience itrsquos important to be mindful of who yoursquore pairing and why Mentees should be matched based on several criteria for instance
a) Diverse yet complementary interests
b) Compatible personality
c) Age group similarities
d) Experience skills and ideas that meet the menteersquos future career goals
5 Provide trainingBefore during and after the program you should provide mentors with ongoing training and development to help them support their mentees Mentors must also learn how to balance their own expectations and the company objectives
The main goal of a mentorship initiative is to prepare your team members with the necessary tools for success Having a structured and organised program will allow goal-oriented team members to further develop their skills The best part is yoursquore able to utilise the resources and connections your company already has
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
16 THINK TANK | April 2021
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
17April 2021 | THINK TANK
Think Water Hawkes Bay
We are pleased to announce the new General Manager of Think Water Hawkes Bay Mark Allan
Walking into this position in October of 2020 Mark claims to have no formal qualifications or irrigation experience and due to the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience already within the team he wonrsquot need it
Throughout his career Mark has had an assortment of management roles including an 18 year span at Toll where he managed a business unit that was awarded lsquoBranch of the Yearrsquo for nine years straight and achieved the best EBIT as a percentage of revenue for 14+ years
From his first day on the job Mark said that team have been outstanding Everyone is so honest and open enabling him to develop a high-level view of where the business is currently positioned He highlights
the undoubting commitment and trust shown by owners Mark Tremain and Anthony Waites in handing their business over to him He says he doesnrsquot underestimate the difficulty the change would be after years of making decisions themselves but appreciates it nonetheless
Mark Tremain mentioned ldquoI am expecting Mark will bring in processes and organisation to our business to assist with looking after the areas that are often forgotten about but in fact are the most importantrdquo
ldquoI have attempted to not change the world overnight as I am a realist around understanding the business firstrdquo said Mark
While in his newly appointed position of General Manager he intends to be solely focused on ldquoworking on the businessrdquo Mark mentions the team has made great progress with a newly established OHampS committee and
weekly operational meetings such as a Monday morning tool-box meeting
With future plans in place to implement procedures such as a CRM and other IT systems that will enable more streamlined processes and efficient workflows The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities which will hopefully result in the elimination of the lsquoJack of all trades master of nonersquo syndrome
Mark also states his intention to review HR with a key focus on staff performance management and setting target objectives to better develop his team and ultimately benefit the business
Another goal of his is to begin aligning both of the Hawkes Bay retail stores to give a consistency of outcome for customers Mark plans to utilise current trade data historical activity and customer feedback from both stores to provide a gold mine of information to review and learn from
bull Fully galvanised wallsbull Quality Polytoughreg liner
bull Heavy duty galvanised trussesbull Built to Australian building codes
1800 008 888 w w w b u s h m a n t a n k s c o m a u
Not just another cable company
Call or email for further information07 3856 6182 | technicalpowerflexcablescomau
Pump Control ndash Alternating or Parallel Alternated control of two pumps (or other devices)
Pump Control amp Level Monitoring 10 different functions in one very compact device
Welcome to the team Mark Allan
ldquoTo achieve our goals we will be engaging with the team to explain lsquowhyrsquo something needs to change
not just that it is lsquochangingrsquordquo
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
18 THINK TANK | April 2021
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
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I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
Team members whoserve as mentors
also report greaterjob satisfaction
and greater career success
Mentoring programs have a positive
track record for enhancing the effectiveness of a teamrsquos success
said they would stay at a company longer if they were offered
opportunities to learn and grow
of team members
94
mentoring had a positive impact on their profits
of businessesbelieve
55
an increase in productivity due
to mentoring
of businessesreported
67
Andrew Walker Operations Manager NZ
5Mentorship is a relationship between two people where the individual with more experience knowledge and connections can pass along what they have learned to a more junior team member within your business Keep in mind though the mentor and the mentee do not necessarily need to be in the same business for the mentorship to be successful
1 Define the programrsquos goalTo get started you need to define the parameters of your program and what you want to achieve from it These should typically be designed to nurture talent and improve performance provide benefit to the company and enhance personal growth This should also be focused on where the business will benefit most
2 Outline the process in the workplace
Well-organised programs offer structure and support to maximise the value to both the team and the business Each program will be different so itrsquos important to provide quick simple points to outline
a) How the program can be accessed
b) Who can be a mentor (what level of experience or qualifications are required)
c) The duration of the mentorship
d) The format One-to-one or group setting
e) How will the programrsquos success be tracked and measured
In the case of a franchise business such as Think Water the use of modern technology auch as lsquoMicrosoft Teamsrsquo (and the like) is a very cost-effective group communication platform
3 Select program participantsMentoring thrives on diversity If you want your program to be successful it needs a diverse set of mentors and mentees to share thoughts ideas and experiences By doing so both parties can identify strengths and weaknesses and how they can work together to improve
4 Match mentors and menteesThe strengths and weaknesses of a mentee should be complimented and balanced by those of a mentor To enable an inspiring experience itrsquos important to be mindful of who yoursquore pairing and why Mentees should be matched based on several criteria for instance
a) Diverse yet complementary interests
b) Compatible personality
c) Age group similarities
d) Experience skills and ideas that meet the menteersquos future career goals
5 Provide trainingBefore during and after the program you should provide mentors with ongoing training and development to help them support their mentees Mentors must also learn how to balance their own expectations and the company objectives
The main goal of a mentorship initiative is to prepare your team members with the necessary tools for success Having a structured and organised program will allow goal-oriented team members to further develop their skills The best part is yoursquore able to utilise the resources and connections your company already has
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
16 THINK TANK | April 2021
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
17April 2021 | THINK TANK
Think Water Hawkes Bay
We are pleased to announce the new General Manager of Think Water Hawkes Bay Mark Allan
Walking into this position in October of 2020 Mark claims to have no formal qualifications or irrigation experience and due to the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience already within the team he wonrsquot need it
Throughout his career Mark has had an assortment of management roles including an 18 year span at Toll where he managed a business unit that was awarded lsquoBranch of the Yearrsquo for nine years straight and achieved the best EBIT as a percentage of revenue for 14+ years
From his first day on the job Mark said that team have been outstanding Everyone is so honest and open enabling him to develop a high-level view of where the business is currently positioned He highlights
the undoubting commitment and trust shown by owners Mark Tremain and Anthony Waites in handing their business over to him He says he doesnrsquot underestimate the difficulty the change would be after years of making decisions themselves but appreciates it nonetheless
Mark Tremain mentioned ldquoI am expecting Mark will bring in processes and organisation to our business to assist with looking after the areas that are often forgotten about but in fact are the most importantrdquo
ldquoI have attempted to not change the world overnight as I am a realist around understanding the business firstrdquo said Mark
While in his newly appointed position of General Manager he intends to be solely focused on ldquoworking on the businessrdquo Mark mentions the team has made great progress with a newly established OHampS committee and
weekly operational meetings such as a Monday morning tool-box meeting
With future plans in place to implement procedures such as a CRM and other IT systems that will enable more streamlined processes and efficient workflows The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities which will hopefully result in the elimination of the lsquoJack of all trades master of nonersquo syndrome
Mark also states his intention to review HR with a key focus on staff performance management and setting target objectives to better develop his team and ultimately benefit the business
Another goal of his is to begin aligning both of the Hawkes Bay retail stores to give a consistency of outcome for customers Mark plans to utilise current trade data historical activity and customer feedback from both stores to provide a gold mine of information to review and learn from
bull Fully galvanised wallsbull Quality Polytoughreg liner
bull Heavy duty galvanised trussesbull Built to Australian building codes
1800 008 888 w w w b u s h m a n t a n k s c o m a u
Not just another cable company
Call or email for further information07 3856 6182 | technicalpowerflexcablescomau
Pump Control ndash Alternating or Parallel Alternated control of two pumps (or other devices)
Pump Control amp Level Monitoring 10 different functions in one very compact device
Welcome to the team Mark Allan
ldquoTo achieve our goals we will be engaging with the team to explain lsquowhyrsquo something needs to change
not just that it is lsquochangingrsquordquo
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
18 THINK TANK | April 2021
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FREE CALL 1800 531 847
SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
Made for Australian conditions
Made to AS1477
A comprehensive range Vinidex PVC-U systems 15-150mm
Stocked in all warehouses nationally
PVC PressurePipe Systems
AustRALiAn
mAdEamp 100 RECYCLABLE
Contact your local sales representative for further information
17April 2021 | THINK TANK
Think Water Hawkes Bay
We are pleased to announce the new General Manager of Think Water Hawkes Bay Mark Allan
Walking into this position in October of 2020 Mark claims to have no formal qualifications or irrigation experience and due to the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience already within the team he wonrsquot need it
Throughout his career Mark has had an assortment of management roles including an 18 year span at Toll where he managed a business unit that was awarded lsquoBranch of the Yearrsquo for nine years straight and achieved the best EBIT as a percentage of revenue for 14+ years
From his first day on the job Mark said that team have been outstanding Everyone is so honest and open enabling him to develop a high-level view of where the business is currently positioned He highlights
the undoubting commitment and trust shown by owners Mark Tremain and Anthony Waites in handing their business over to him He says he doesnrsquot underestimate the difficulty the change would be after years of making decisions themselves but appreciates it nonetheless
Mark Tremain mentioned ldquoI am expecting Mark will bring in processes and organisation to our business to assist with looking after the areas that are often forgotten about but in fact are the most importantrdquo
ldquoI have attempted to not change the world overnight as I am a realist around understanding the business firstrdquo said Mark
While in his newly appointed position of General Manager he intends to be solely focused on ldquoworking on the businessrdquo Mark mentions the team has made great progress with a newly established OHampS committee and
weekly operational meetings such as a Monday morning tool-box meeting
With future plans in place to implement procedures such as a CRM and other IT systems that will enable more streamlined processes and efficient workflows The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities which will hopefully result in the elimination of the lsquoJack of all trades master of nonersquo syndrome
Mark also states his intention to review HR with a key focus on staff performance management and setting target objectives to better develop his team and ultimately benefit the business
Another goal of his is to begin aligning both of the Hawkes Bay retail stores to give a consistency of outcome for customers Mark plans to utilise current trade data historical activity and customer feedback from both stores to provide a gold mine of information to review and learn from
bull Fully galvanised wallsbull Quality Polytoughreg liner
bull Heavy duty galvanised trussesbull Built to Australian building codes
1800 008 888 w w w b u s h m a n t a n k s c o m a u
Not just another cable company
Call or email for further information07 3856 6182 | technicalpowerflexcablescomau
Pump Control ndash Alternating or Parallel Alternated control of two pumps (or other devices)
Pump Control amp Level Monitoring 10 different functions in one very compact device
Welcome to the team Mark Allan
ldquoTo achieve our goals we will be engaging with the team to explain lsquowhyrsquo something needs to change
not just that it is lsquochangingrsquordquo
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
18 THINK TANK | April 2021
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
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I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
Think Water Hawkes Bay
We are pleased to announce the new General Manager of Think Water Hawkes Bay Mark Allan
Walking into this position in October of 2020 Mark claims to have no formal qualifications or irrigation experience and due to the exceptional depth of knowledge and experience already within the team he wonrsquot need it
Throughout his career Mark has had an assortment of management roles including an 18 year span at Toll where he managed a business unit that was awarded lsquoBranch of the Yearrsquo for nine years straight and achieved the best EBIT as a percentage of revenue for 14+ years
From his first day on the job Mark said that team have been outstanding Everyone is so honest and open enabling him to develop a high-level view of where the business is currently positioned He highlights
the undoubting commitment and trust shown by owners Mark Tremain and Anthony Waites in handing their business over to him He says he doesnrsquot underestimate the difficulty the change would be after years of making decisions themselves but appreciates it nonetheless
Mark Tremain mentioned ldquoI am expecting Mark will bring in processes and organisation to our business to assist with looking after the areas that are often forgotten about but in fact are the most importantrdquo
ldquoI have attempted to not change the world overnight as I am a realist around understanding the business firstrdquo said Mark
While in his newly appointed position of General Manager he intends to be solely focused on ldquoworking on the businessrdquo Mark mentions the team has made great progress with a newly established OHampS committee and
weekly operational meetings such as a Monday morning tool-box meeting
With future plans in place to implement procedures such as a CRM and other IT systems that will enable more streamlined processes and efficient workflows The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities which will hopefully result in the elimination of the lsquoJack of all trades master of nonersquo syndrome
Mark also states his intention to review HR with a key focus on staff performance management and setting target objectives to better develop his team and ultimately benefit the business
Another goal of his is to begin aligning both of the Hawkes Bay retail stores to give a consistency of outcome for customers Mark plans to utilise current trade data historical activity and customer feedback from both stores to provide a gold mine of information to review and learn from
bull Fully galvanised wallsbull Quality Polytoughreg liner
bull Heavy duty galvanised trussesbull Built to Australian building codes
1800 008 888 w w w b u s h m a n t a n k s c o m a u
Not just another cable company
Call or email for further information07 3856 6182 | technicalpowerflexcablescomau
Pump Control ndash Alternating or Parallel Alternated control of two pumps (or other devices)
Pump Control amp Level Monitoring 10 different functions in one very compact device
Welcome to the team Mark Allan
ldquoTo achieve our goals we will be engaging with the team to explain lsquowhyrsquo something needs to change
not just that it is lsquochangingrsquordquo
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
18 THINK TANK | April 2021
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FREE CALL 1800 531 847
SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
Could this be the update your business needs By the time the end of the financial year rolls around we expect to have fourteen Think Water Members using the groups ERP software system H2GO
H2GO was first rolled out two and half years ago with Northern Rivers and Whitsundays putting their hands up to be the groups ldquopilotrdquo stores In the early days itrsquos probably fair to say that the software was quite rough and ready however over the past 12 months it has evolved to be very robust It now offers a very broad use functionality and is a state of the art tool across all areas of your business
The evolution of H2GO is driven by fortnightly Member webinars with developing partner Cutcher amp Neale These webinars and group training
sessions provide Think Water Members with the opportunity to raise any issues queries or suggested enhancements directly to the developers and it is free of charge
Like any piece of software there are generally changes and enhancements that are undertaken regularly just think about Microsoft or Apple etc The beauty of H2GO is that it is entirely flexible and updates can be done quickly Some of the key updates inplemented over the past twelve months include
bull a brand new discount matrix and pricing structure template that is capable of self managing your margins
bull complete new range of reporting with the stroke of a key
bull email and SMS client interaction for service work and
bull a suite of quote templates that self populate once the job details are complete
These are but a few changes with many more completed and in the works In fact in the past twelve months more than 50 enhancements have been made based on Member feedback
So if you are feeling that you donrsquot really have a handle on your business and arenrsquot quite sure which pathway to head down then maybe it all starts with the numbers and the software Drop Chris a line or email for further details
Chris Rehm Operations Manager AU
Discover Nelson Irrigationrsquos complete line of products at nelsonirrigationcomau Tel 1300 856 368
New bracket for hanging the S7 solves problems for organic growers
Introducing the S7 Spinner a new Nelson innovation designed to combat rising energy and labor costs The S7rsquos modular design allows quick and easy nozzle exchange mdash and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigator hours mdash simply turn flush and reconnect Special insect protection helps prevent plugging or stalling
NEW WORDMARK GRAY
NEXT GENERATION
Use 1000 Series Valves for zone control and remotely control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere with our new TWIGreg Wireless Controls mobile app and next generation TWIGreg components
NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1NIC_WFG SPRING 2021v2indd 1 22022021 20035 PM22022021 20035 PM
Scan the QR Code or click here to watch previous H2GO webinars
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
T 1300 307 407 E aunetinfonetafimcom W netafimcomau
NETAFIM UNIRAMtrade The Worldrsquos Most Advanced Dripper Technology
THE MARKET LEADING DRIPPER
UNIRAMtrade AS XR
UNIRAMtrade AS UNIRAMtrade AS (Vineclip) UNIRAMtrade CNL
More than 11 billion UniRamtrade drippers are used worldwide by tens of thousands of satisfied farmers With the largest effective filtration area in the industry and offering 100 uniformity of water and nutrients for years to come there is no substitute for UniRamtrade
ANTI SIPHON (AS) Anti-vacuum mechanism prevents suction of dirt into the dripperline providing the critical protection needed against dripper clogging
LARGEST FILTRATION AREA Entire base of the UniRamtrade dripper is made of filter inlets flushing large particles from the dripper eliminating clogging and maintaining an essential supply of water for uninterrupted operation
WIDEST FLOW PATH ndash ULTIMATE CLOG RESISTANCE Performs even in conditions with extremely poor water quality TurboNettrade labyrinth assures wide water passages large deep and wide cross section improves clogging resistance
ROOT INTRUSION BARRIER (XR) Prevents roots from penetrating the dripper mechanism Ideal for Sub-surface irrigation
Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1Netafim Think Tank Platinum Ad_297x210_wBleedindd 1 20082020 122055 PM20082020 122055 PM
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FREE CALL 1800 531 847
SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
While the latest boom on digital marketing has us all excited about new technologies and cheaper marketing avenues it is important to remember that our target audience will govern where we spend our marketing dollars
It is very easy to fall into the trap of taking the easy way out when it comes to marketing Digital marketing is easy and sometimes the cheaper option however itrsquos important to remember that it doesnrsquot replace all other marketing channels
Taking a close look at a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer can give you an insight into how lifestyle and personality can effect what marketing channels they are more likely to notice and trust This in turn allows you to tailor your marketing and target the ideal customer more effectively
Following are seven ideas to help you recognise the characteristics of your ideal customer
1 Personal demographicsIs your ideal customer male or female Where do they live Are they married and how many kids do they have The answers to these question help you to get a better imaginary vision of this person
2 LifestyleAre they a homebody or do they like to get out and about Where do they go to get their latest news What are their interests The answers to these questions will tell you where your ideal customer is exposed to media
3 Personal preferencesWhat inspires your ideal customer What is their passion What do they value What are their interests or hobbies What are their likes or dislikes This information will help you to understand how to trigger an emotional connection
4 OccupationWhat do they do for a living How much do they earn What industry are they in and where is their workplace located The answers to these questions will assist with understanding if your ideal customer can afford your products and services
5 Online activityHow often does your ideal buyer go online What websites do they visit the most What device do they use This information will help you decide how technological they are and where the person hangs out online
6 Media exposureWhere do they go to get their news Do they watch TV or listen to the radio Do they read the newspaper These questions will help you to decide what traditional marketing channels capture the attention of your ideal buyer
7 Social mediaHow often do they use social media What are their favorite and least favorite platforms What content appeals to them The answers to these questions will help you decide what content to create and where to publish it
Understanding your customers is the key to targeting them with marketing messages that deliver results You donrsquot need to write long answers to these questions just simple short notes that allow you to build a visual of your ideal customer You may even find that interviewing a selection of real customers give you the answers you need
If you would like help creating your ideal buyer persona please contact Natalie directly and make a time to work through these questions and more
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
21April 2021 | THINK TANK
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FREE CALL 1800 531 847
SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
wwwhansenproductsconz
Irripod 2 amp 4 Pod PacksIrripod 2 amp 4 Pod Packs
bull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Versatile pod based systems ideal for smaller area bull Low cost of ownershipbull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durablebull Simple Technology bull Efficient use of water bull Strong and durable
2 PodPack
4 PodPack
Flexible irrigation solution
Covid has forced Employers to rethink ways of working to keep the doors open for business The rise of working from home has become the norm for so many companies along with a different set of rules and new classifications on how employees work best
Professionals are urging employers to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of personalities and the way in which they work and how it affects various individuals One of the theories we are referring to is the division of workers as Integrators Segmentors or Cyclers
Integrators
Enjoy or donrsquot mind combining work and private lives (eg Taking a call over a weekend while out for dinner or at a party) They are borrowers from one area of life to another
Segmentors
Never overlap work and private live (eg Will not attend social functions of colleagues or use workplace childcare facilities) They could be referred to as tunnel vision people those that work on one task at a time
Cyclers
Fit between the two segents (eg integrators in the week working after hours but become segmentors over weekends once they leave on a Friday afternoon you will not hear from them until Monday morning)
Recruiting and retaining employees is one of the biggest challengers for employers and finding the right fit for your company is vital
Professor Karin Sanders of UNSW Business School states ndash ldquoPersonality is who you are and who you are is how you workrdquo
Another common way of quantifying personality is with The Big Five Personality Traits scale It is however well documented that personalities can and do change due to circumstances and age
Extraversion ndash Social and outwardly engaging
Openness ndash Likes new experiences or environments
Conscientiousness ndash Thoughtful and more organised (guideline users)
Agreeableness ndash Compassionate puts other before themselves
Neuroticism ndash Feels sadness or anxiety more frequently
If you are interested in learning more about the personalities of your employees click or scan the QR code above to do an online test or contact Liesle directly to discuss
Liesle Corns Business Manager amp HR Company Secretary
Image source J M Digman ndash Personality Structure Emergence of the Five-Factor Model
THE BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY
TRAITSWho we are is how we work
confident
OPENNESS
Degree of intelle
ctual
curiosity
creativity
and a preference
for noveltyin
vent
ive
secure
sensitive
challenging friendly
solidarit
y
outg
oing
easy-going
efficientconsistent
curi
ous
nervous
detachedcompassionate
reserv
ed
ener
getic
careless
organisedcautious
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
Tendency to be
organised and
dependable
EXTR
AVER
SION
Tend
ency
to s
eek
the
com
pany
of o
ther
s
and
talk
NEU
ROTICISM
Predisposition to
psycological stress
AGREEABLENESSMeasure of onersquos
trusting and helpful nature
22 THINK TANK | April 2021
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FREE CALL 1800 531 847
SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
Think Water Hastings
Welcome to the Think Water Family Michael and Grant We are excited to see what you have in store for your new business venture
Business Owners Michael Dillon and Grant (Charlie) Barran Phone (03) 5979 7144 Email MichaelDillonthinkwatercomau GrantBarranthinkwatercomau
Why did you join Think Water
The opportunity to have a business with brand integrity and support to help us grow
How long have you been in the irrigation industry
I Michael have just recently joined the industry 35 months ago Charlie has been in the irrigation industry for 30 years now
What is your primary market
It varies Irrigation trades and rural farms on the Mornington Peninsula also the retail tank and pump market propagation and mature tree nurseries
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Understanding the irrigationwater business and remembering the difference between a faucet socket and a faucet adaptor (Michael)
In all seriousness laying over 2km of 2rdquo rural And Charlie working with retail customers to understand what they want and or need
What is your biggest win so far
Our biggest win so far has to be opening our pool shop three months into owning the business and also picking up two contracts to supply and fit out vineyards
What is your favourite product
My favourite product right now (Michael) is the Grundfos 5-47 it is the easiest pump to sell to the retail market and Charliersquos is the Hunter PGJrsquos
Most interesting project
Our most interesting project so far was when we developed a water system to irrigate over 100 acres of a new style of close planted vines at Stanleyrsquos Road winery located in Merricks North South Victoria
What plans do you have for the future
Well in mid-February we opened our pool and spa counter (photo above)and a dedicated vineyard section of our shop We are expanding and taking on two new staff members which will allow for time to concentrate on business development across all sectors
EUROFLOreg CULVERT PIPE
0800 99 77 33wwwpandfglobalcomsalespandfglobalcom
Choose EUROFLOreg pipe for your next project
bull Strongtwin-walledHDPEpipe
bull Massiverange15sizesfrom160mmndash2100mm
bull Saveoncoststhrougheasyhandlingandinstallation
EUROFLOreg is the pipe for all your rural commercial and industrial projects
AUSTRALIAN MADE WATER TANKSKingspan Water amp Energy is a market leader and trusted
source of expert advice for water solutions including rainwater harvesting water storage irrigation stock
water and stormwater management
kingspancomauwater
23April 2021 | THINK TANK
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FREE CALL 1800 531 847
SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
Imagine a day without waterJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Pumps Filters Heaters Heat Pumps Cleaners Sanitizers Automation White Goods Water Features Maintenance Products
wwwpentaircomau | follow us on facebook amp LinkedIn
At Pentair we believe that the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean safe water Itrsquos in this spirit that work to create smart sustainable solutions that empower you to make the most of lifersquos essential resource mdash today and every day
Water for every part of your dayJust as water touches every part of your life our innovative products and passion for clean safe and sustainable water are with you throughout your day
Next-level rise and shineA Pentair water treatment system can deliver clear water throughout your home so your morning shower can
provide a more refreshing wake-me-up and your hair and skin will thank you for removing impurities
As you pick out your clothes for the day yoursquoll notice cleaner softer clothing as a result of washing them in cleaner softer water
And when yoursquore ready for your cup of morning brew you can get the most from your gourmet coffee beans by using great tasting water
Water from farm to tableAnother way Pentair makes a difference is by increasing the efficiency of water usage in agriculture With Pentairrsquos help farmers are using less water to achieve greater crop yields That means more sustainable food in more favorite recipes on your table
Relaxation done rightWater is essential even to everyday leisure so yoursquoll find Pentair hard at work there too
Going to swim a few laps or maybe relax in a hot tub Pentairrsquos filtration systems help ensure a cleaner experience Plus our expertise in energy efficiency allows us to make energy consumption as optimal and responsible as possible
Or maybe yoursquore just going to kick back with a beer on the patio Brewmasters appreciate our sustainable brewing systems for the control it provides them Removing contaminants from the brewing water means more delicious and consistent batches
Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
24 THINK TANK | April 2021
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FREE CALL 1800 531 847
SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
When most people think of rainwater they think of how pure the source is Of course the original source is but the contaminantes it comes into contact with afterwards in the collection and storage process is where real health issues can arise
This need for rainwater filtration is nothing new but the feedback from customers reliant on this type of water source was the need for a system that was not only flexible to their filtration needs looked great was neat and tidy but also incorporated everything they needed into one package
With all this in mind Puretec have spent the last few years designing the patented HybridPlus in house to deliver everything the market asked for and was released into the market in late 2020
The carefully considered design includes a three stage filtration process UV sterilisation using Radfire technology plus model options to include a premium pump andor mains to rain changeover switch
The HybridPlus embodies Puretecrsquos core
purpose of ensuring everyone has safe and
clean water sustainablyThe design process didnrsquot stop there giving the luxury of gull wing access doors to provide easier maintenance a 3-point locking system and concealed ventilation Moreover there was even more to consider in the design a UV system that had a
unique connection system so that it could be connected from either the left or the right of the unit making connections quicker and easier for plumbers and tradespeople on site
Impression is everything when it comes to in-store displays and being such a large unit the next consideration for the project was to ensure it was display friendly for all Puretec dealers
A custom pallet that the unit could be shipped on as well as being used for being displayed in-store was the answer During its initial release the first lot of systems were also shipped out with a custom cube stacking display to draw attention to the unit and create general conversation around the truly unique piece
The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
25April 2021 | THINK TANK
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
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SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
Crusader Hose have come from humble origins to become the world-leading manufacturer of hose for travelling irrigators Over 35 years the company has not only grown in size but with a dynamic research and development team have developed the worldrsquos best-quality goods The range of products now includes layflat hose and reel systems for irrigation fire and mine dewatering
Noel Gardner from Think Water Whitsunday attests to this ldquoWe are a major supplier of hose and equipment to the sugar industry The quality and demands on the long lengths
of irrigation hose have caused many challenges for these suppliers The latest developments by Crusader Hose have brought the Flexidragreg to worlds best standardrdquo
With a culture of continuous improvement the key developments with Flexidragreg have been both low-pressure flexibility and ease of handling Technical improvements in concentricity and adding annealing were both achieved after major plant investment and upgrade
Francois Steverlynck Managing Director of Crusader Hose maintains ldquoWe can confidently say that we have a hose as good if not better than Angus Travelflex and Snaptite Furthermore we stand by our products with a 10-year warranty something that some importers have had issues withrdquo
ldquoAs a preferred supplier to the Think Water Group we look forward to building on our relationships with more Members We are here for the long haul and are fully committed to the irrigation industry of Australia and New Zealandrdquo Francois concluded
Premium Irrigation Layflat Hose
Phone 03 9720 1100Email salescrusaderhosecomau
wwwcrusaderhosecomau
FLEXIDRAGFLEXIDRAG
Customised Layflat Hose Systems
Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
26 THINK TANK | April 2021
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
World Leading Pond amp Lake Management brands all available at one place
Contact our amazing customer service team on 1300 278 283 or email salesaquatecequipmentcom
for more information
We are a knowledgeable provider of a wide range of water purification technologies for any type of water filtration application From water softening and media pre-treatment and membrane systems to ultra-pure water systems we have a solution for your business
wwwcontinentalwatercomau Customer Service 1300 166 253salescontinentalwatercomau
Pure Water Solutions for You
Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy ChainDynaDrive is Davey Water Productrsquos latest all in one home pressure system with a variable speed drive that maintains water pressure at a fixed point regardless of an increase or decrease in water demand in the household It is now also available as pre-assembled daisy chain constant pressure pumps
According to Daveyrsquos Product Manager Nandhakumar Govindaraj customers can expect DynaDrive to keep the pressure steady no matter how many taps they have running and best of all it is energy and cost efficient
ldquoThe number of taps being used in your home doesnrsquot impact your water pressure or flow because DynaDrive keeps pressure constant and steady As taps are turned off the drive adjusts automatically keeping pressure constant but reducing the energy consumedrdquo Nandha says
ldquoYou can also set the water pressure where you want with an easy to set up and use controller that comes with an intelligent interface and compact design The controller also gives you warnings for any system faults and lets you daisy chain two pumps in parallel if neededrdquo
The stainless-steel impellers in the DynaDrive also offer reduced power consumption and low noise output which makes for quiet pump operation and increased wear resistance
The system comes with a Davey built totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) electric motor that ensures longer life for the pressure system and easy service while also being economical
ldquoWe conducted field trials with a small group of customers and the feedback was that DynaDrive is noticeably more quiet than other models and they could feel the constant water pressure especially in showers The customers also found that DynaDrive was more responsive compared to other traditional pressure controllersrdquo Nandha says
ldquoThis is a solution we know our customers and dealers have been waiting for so they are as excited as we are to launch DynaDrive into the marketrdquo
For more information on DynaDrive head to wwwdaveycomaudynadrive or contact your local Davey dealer
27April 2021 | THINK TANK
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FREE CALL 1800 531 847
SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
HeritageTankscomau
BUY a magnificent Heritage WaterTank via your local brilliantThinkWater Branch and GET
Complimentary Level IndicatorComplimentary State Appropriate Fire Fitting
EXCLUSIVE OFFER | SAVE UP TO $ 360
FREE CALL 1800 531 847 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FREE CALL 1800 531 847
SAVE UP TO $360
I think you would all agree with me when I say that the Think Water brand has a strong well designed and highly recognisable style within our industry However itrsquos not without itrsquos weaknesses and limitations which is why the decision has been made to take it to the next level
All brands go through some kind of evolution at some stage if not many stages of their lifespan There are many examples of brand evolution some subtle some extensive for example Telstra Coke-Cola and Google Regardless of the size of the company or degree of evolution the process is essential to maintaining the strength and consistency of the brand in its market
The last brand update for Think Water was in 2012 nine years ago and since then technology your businesses and the market have changed dramatically The aim of this evolution is to give you guidelines to confidently market your business in todays world
Before I go into what changes you can expect to see I will explain the key points of the task
bull The key style of the Think Water brand will not change it will be enhanced
bull A group wide perspective will be taken with all additional guidelines
bull All creative solutions will be scalable to suit big and small businesses
bull Brand compliance will be introduced to assist with the aim of achieving consistency across the group
The main drive to evolve our brand comes from the following demands
bull The emergence of new technologies and understanding how our brand works with them and
bull The request to be more diverse in business markets while maintaining a consistent style with the group
You can expect to see the introduction of guidelines for the following new sections in the CIP Social Media Advertising Media Brochures and Marketing Material Events and Promotional Products Plus enhancements to the existing sections Uniforms Signage Stationery Websites and Photography
The ldquoBeyond Irrigationrdquo line will be removed from the Master Brand to assist with enabling diversity Members will be encouraged to use their sub-brand more
Colours fonts and other exisiting Master Brand guidelines like clear space and minimum size will remain the same While complimentry and informative supporting graphics will be added to the suite of approved assets
The project is expected to take place over a 12 month period beginning in April 2021 Regular updates will be released to the group on the Members Portal and in the Weekly Update
A focus group of eight Members two staff of Members and the Board have been engaged to assist with the process of reviewing change outcomes
I am excited to be working on this project that will give you better tools to market your business If you would like further information on this project please contact me directly for a chat
Brand Evolution
Natalie Kingcott Marketing Coordinator
28 THINK TANK | April 2021
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape One of the biggest global challenges facing todayrsquos farmers is insect damage to their thin wall drip linetape Just a few bites from insects can wreak havoc on a field leading to the flooding of hundreds of hectares destruction of crops and days of manual labor to repair
Insects cause damage to the drip linetape by biting or scratching through the drip linetape in the search for food Rivulis X-Pell is a unique solution where an active insect repelling ingredient is embedded directly into the drip linetape
One taste and insects will be gone before they can do any significant damage to the drip linetape
After successfully launching in many countries including Italy Mexico Russia and Spain Rivulis X-Pell will be soon available in Rivulis T-Tape and D1000 in Australia
The Rivulis X-Pell patent-pending technology goes to the core of the drip tape blending the minimum amount of active ingredient needed directly into the plastic structure to protect the drip tape from insect damage says Richard Klapholz Rivulis CEO We dedicated years of research and development to
identify an effective solution that finally solves the widespread challenge of insect damage to drip lines and tapes
Rivulis X-Pell has been proven effective with nearly one million meters of tests in Italy Australia Russia Mexico Spain and Portugal in addition to commercial launches in selected countries It can enable growers to save money by using lower wall thickness driptape Rivulis X-Pell is safe reliable and recyclable
Contact a Rivulis representative or visit our website to learn more wwwrivulisxpellcom
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause damage But never fear
you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
How it works
1 There are lots of insects in the soil and they have their sights set on
your drip linetape
2 It takes just a few insects biting through your drip linetape to cause
damage But never fear you have Rivulis X-Pell drip linetape
3 One taste of the Rivulis X-Pell drip line and the insects will move on
leaving your drip linetape safe from insect damage
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
If you dream of winning the fight against insects wreaking havoc on your drip irrigation your dreams have come
true X-Pell from Rivulis uses patent pending technology to protect it from insect damage making X-Pell so repellent
they simply leave it alone X-Pellrsquos proven performance worldwide has given growers the peace of mind that their
drip irrigation systemrsquos no longer easy prey In fact it bites back
The worldrsquos first insect repellent drip line and drip tape
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
BITEback
X-Pell is proven to provide 99 protection against insect damage to drip line tapes based on trials conducted in Australia
Mexico Italy Spain Turkey and Russia
29April 2021 | THINK TANK
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
Powered by Bluetooth and battery operation the Toro Tempustrade DC Battery Controller provides full watering control from your smartphone
By using the Tempustrade DC app on a smartphone or tablet the battery controller is ideal for managing irrigation in areas without mains power meaning you have full watering control from your device With customers and contractors in mind Toro has made irrigation easy and convenient without compromising on quality
The Tempustrade DC is simple to use with flexibility for watering preferences
including four independent programs and three start times per program It is available in 1 2 4 or 6 stations and comes with LCD and no LCD given the option to program the controller using the app or manually
Your irrigation equipment will always be safe as the Tempustrade DC is vandal-resistant in a valve box while tap timers are vulnerable as they are screwed into the tap And therersquos no more need to access your valve box and risk the yucky dip and deal with the crawling insects inside With Tempustrade DC the power is literally in your hands with just a touch of a button or swipe of the screen
Recently released is the Toro Tempus DC Battery Controller Kit This kit contains the controller solenoid valve and manifold so customers donrsquot need to buy separate components to kickstart their irrigation system The complete kit includes all components needed and is offered at a great value pack price Available in 1 2 and 4 station packs
Visit torotempuscontrollerscomau for tutorial videos on how to download the app and program the controller Call your Toro Representative for a DEAL on NEW Tempustrade DC Battery Controller and Kits
toroaus toroaus toroaustraliatoroaus
Tempustm DC KitsAll The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
PREMIUM IRRIGATION DRAG HOSE
TRAVELFLEX RUBBER
POWAFLEX POLYURETHANE
dennismayhcdnzconzhcdowtechnologyconz
HCD stock a Full Range of Rubber amp PVC Suction Hoses PVC Layat BAUER FITTINGS Complete range of TRAVIS COUPLINGS CAMLOCKS and Clamps suitable for all Irrigation amp Agricultural purposes
Black nitrile rubber irrigation hose for use with traveling irrigators
Black polyurethane irrigation hose for use as a long-life travelling irrigation hose
PLASSON TALKSTime and Money Saving Valve SolutionsWe get excited when we hear the words ldquoTIME SAVERrdquo or ldquoMONEY SAVERrdquo and this coupling valve is all that and more
The Plasson Quick Coupling Valve is a quick and easy to install irrigation solution By permanently attaching this device to the irrigation pipe the easy release key on the valve allows you to automatically shut off the valve resulting in the ability to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Yoursquore guaranteed a long lasting highly reliable and durable coupling valve made out of polypropylene and acetal a stainless steel spring and NBR seals
This great little device is suitable for fixed or portable sprinkler irrigation livestock watering systems and landscape irrigation systems
The unit is installed beneath the surface to allow close mowing and other similar yard work Making it a great solution for mown fields grazing pastures and the like
Quick Coupling Valve
Permanently attached to the irrigation pipe the valve allows you to regulate the number of sprinklers in use
Highly-reliable amp durable Easy release of key automatically shuts valve Body polypropylene and acetal Spring stainless steel Seals NBR
Features
For sprinkler livestock amp landscape applications
Saves you time and money
31April 2021 | THINK TANK
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
Aqua-Traxx Proportionally balanced cross-
section increases flow
turbulence amp velocity
The superior choice fordrip irrigation
Precision-moulded emitters resist
clogging amp promote uniform output
09 415 0300
wwwirrigationconz
Seamless extrusion
No leaks or bursts
wwwpipemakersconzCheck out our website for details
We are moving to a new showroom so we can expand our product range increase our stock holding and offer
you even greater certainty around your pipe delivery
HR PRODUCTS TALKS
Pattern Approved Water MetersDale Harris General Manager at HR Products has taken the time to summarise Australiarsquos new regulations around pattern approved water meters
Over the past few years there have been a number of changes relating to the metering of water from licensed water entitlements These regulations stipulate approved or compliant water meters are now required for all instances where non-urban water metering is required
The National Framework for Non-Urban Water Metering came into effect nearly 10 years ago in July 2010 The Framework agreed to by Australian state and territory governments aims to deliver nationally consistent
non-urban water meter standards to increase measurement accuracy
The National Framework stipulates that all non-urban water meters shall be
bull Pattern approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI)
bull Installed in compliance with the Pattern Approval certificate
bull Validated by a certified validator (accredited by Irrigation Australia Ltd) after installation
In terms of the rollout dates and local requirements the relevant state and territory government departments have produced their own codes policies and guidelines that operate within the National Framework
It is recommended that you consult your own state legislation to be fully aware of any new regulations and deadlines for installing approved water meters Irrigation Australia Ltd have published links to the state and territory resources relating to the current requirements on their website
Scan the QR code or click here to read Dalersquos full summary of the current situation
Disclaimer the information provided in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon in terms of compliance to local state and national regulations Please consult the necessary authorities to obtain the most up to date documentation and compliance requirements
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAMUsed for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tanks the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector
is part of NORMA Grouprsquos extensive Water Management range
Reusable Lightweight Safe and Reliable the ldquoNIBC50rdquo connector is a must
Did we also mention it can be used with chemicals due to the design and its incorporation of dual Viton seals
Find out more on Think Water News httpswwwthinkwatercomauibc-adaptor1300 252 677
normagroupcomau
The IBC Adaptor in High Demand60mm ACME thread with 6mm pitch x 50mm BSP
32 THINK TANK | April 2021
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
6 REASONS TO INSTALL A SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM FOR OFF-GRID WATER SUPPLY
There are many factors which may impact the pumping system you choose including the water source (eg bore dam or river) where you need the water storage and ultimately power supply The two most popular off-grid pumping solutions are solar or generator powered
A diesel or petrol generator pumping system may seem like the easiest and most convenient option but a renewable solar pumping solution offers many advantages over a generator powered system
Letrsquos explore six reasons why you should consider a solar pumping solution
1) Save money on energy costs When compared to a diesel generator powered system a solar pumping system is up to 4 times more cost effective over the first 10 years of operation To find out more about these savings visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
2) Long term cost efficient pumping Depending on the quality of the water solar pumping systems often have a longer life span than other off-grid alternatives This typically means the payback of the initial investment in a solar powered system over a diesel generator powered system is less than 3 years To find out more about the payback period visit wwwgrundfoscomausolarpumpingsolutions
3) Easy installation You can easily install a new solar pumping system regardless of whether you need to pump from a bore dam or river To ensure the installation of a solar pumping system runs smoothly itrsquos important to bring together pumps controllers and solar arrays that have been designed to work together 4) Virtually no maintenance Forget having to drive around a property replenishing fuel or maintaining diesel
generators Once installed solar pumping systems have a comprehensive range of protection features minimising downtime and reducing ongoing maintenance to near zero
5) Environmentally friendly Diesel generators like with other fossil fuelled motors will produce carbon emissions when in operation A solar pumping system in comparison produces no emissions (when in operation) reducing the carbon footprint of your installation
6) Government Incentives The Federal Government as well as Governments in WA QLD NT and NSW offer a range of different rebates loans and grants to support investment in solar pumping systems See an overview of the available assistance below
National Water Emergency Infrastructure Rebate Scheme On 2 October 2020 the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21 The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories including co-funding arrangements To find out more visit wwwagriculturegovauwaternationalon-farm-infrastructure-rebate
Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCrsquoS) STCrsquos are tradable certificates which are created when you generate renewable energy such as Solar The number of credits you receive will vary depending on your location and size of the project
To find out more about STCrsquos visit wwwcleanenergyregulatorgovauRETScheme-participants-and-industryAgents-and-installersSmall-scale-technology-certificates
Drought Assistance Loans The Federal and Queensland State governments are offering lowno interest loans to support future sustainability for primary producers
To find out more about the Federal Governments Drough Loans visit wwwbusinessgovaugrants-and-programsDrought-Loans
Forget Diesel think Grundfos Solar Grundfos solar pumping solutions have been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions for over 20 years So next time your customer needs an off-grid water solution think Grundfos Solar
If your customer needs water in an off-grid area for stock watering or irrigation you will need to find a reliable cost effective water pumping solution
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SOLAR INSTALLATION BY THE THINK WATER COLAC TEAM
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
NETAFIM TALKS
Dripper ComparisonA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life
We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers and are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon
devices are unique specific drippers and are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify the common features formulate a score to evaluate quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question The concept involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of the structural features of the dripper and contributes to its quality In essence the higher the Turbulence
Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain a constant flow rate This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth and create a self cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K =254 x P x (W x D)
N x Q2
K ndash Turbulence Coefficient
P ndash Pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres
W ndash Width of labyrinth water passage in mm
D ndash Depth of labyrinth water passage in mm
N ndash Number of teeth in the labyrinth
Q ndash Labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
FarmCJ-Convertible Jet
GardenMP-Multistage Pump
HomeSJ-Stainless Jet
Orange Pumps strives to build reliable effi cient high performing and cost competitive water pump products Designed and developed in Melbourne utilising our heavy duty electric motors and uniquely shaped pump internals for maximium performance
In the Home around the Garden or on the Farm ndash therersquos an Orange Pump right for the job
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation systemFigure 1 The filter at the inlet to a
modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper
DrIppers comparIson
Article supplied by Netafim
IntroductionA farmer and his crop care not about the specifics and technical details of a dripper It is what comes out of the dripper that they care about They need a dripped supply of water into the wetted bulb-shaped root zone on demand during the life of the crop This dripped supply may not vary or decrease over time It must be accurate and constant over the croprsquos life This is the essential feature of a dripper to a farmer
A dripper is a dripper is a dripper Not really We know in reality that there is a vast difference in drippers and specifically dripper quality sometimes for good reasons and other times not A good quality dripper may be defined as one that emits a predetermined flow rate that is accurate and constant over its intended life
Features that contribute to keeping a dripper clean and working are essentially those that contribute to the dripperrsquos quality The main structural features such as the filtration area the labyrinth depth width and length are common to all drippers These are all measurable Other features such as anti-root intrusion and anti-siphon devices are unique to a specific dripper and they are not measurable
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score to evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence CoefficientA dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
K - Turbulence CoefficientP - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metresW- width of labyrinth water passage in mmD- depth of labyrinth water passage in mmN- number of teeth in the labyrinthQ - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
A method has now been devised to quantify these common features and formulates a score evaluate a drippers quality and make an educated choice that best suits the application in question
The concept simply involves two aspects the dripperrsquos net filtration area and its Turbulence Coefficient
The Turbulence Coefficient
A dripperrsquos structural features can be defined as an inlet filter an inlet orifice a flow path whose shape is a labyrinth with teeth an exit lsquobathrsquo and finally an orifice that is made through the wall of the drip line from which the droplet leaves the irrigation system and goes into the root zone
With the exception of the inlet filter the Turbulence Coefficient embraces all of these structural features of a dripper that contribute to dripper quality In essence the higher the Turbulence Coefficient the lower the dripperrsquos sensitivity to clogging and the better its ability to maintain its constant flow rate over its intended life This is achieved by the vortexes that develop in the labyrinth that create a self-cleaning stream which purges contaminants out of the dripper
The higher the Turbulence Coefficient the better the quality To work out the Turbulence Coefficient simply follow the formula below
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 119875119875119875119875 lowast (119882119882119882119882 lowast 119863119863119863119863)sup2
119873119873119873119873 lowast 119876119876119876119876sup2
K - Turbulence Coefficient P - pressure differential through the labyrinth in metres W - width of labyrinth water passage in mm D - depth of labyrinth water passage in mm N - number of teeth in the labyrinth Q - labyrinth flow rate in litres per hour
Let us look at how these elements impact the Turbulence Coefficient and thereby the quality of a dripper
The depth and width of the labyrinth the greater the better
At 10 m pressure the flow rate is 10 litre per hour through a labyrinth with 44 teeth and width x depth dimensions of 060mm x 059mm The resulting Turbulence Coefficient is 72
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120787120787120787120787120787120787120787120787)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 =72
However increasing the labyrinth depth and width by 001mm to 061mm x 060mm but keeping all other measurements the same the Turbulence Coefficient would increase to 77
119870119870119870119870 =254 lowast 10 lowast (120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120788120788120788120788 lowast 120782120782120782120782 120788120788120788120788120782120782120782120782)sup2
44 lowast 10sup2
119870119870119870119870 = 77
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
DRIPPERCOMPARISONS
Introduction
AfarmerandhiscropcarenotaboutthespecificsandtechnicaldetailsofadripperItiswhatcomes
outofthedripperthattheycareaboutTheyneedadrippedsupplyofwaterintothewettedbulb‐
shapedrootzoneondemandduringthelifeofthecropThisdrippedsupplymaynotvaryor
decreaseovertimeItmustbeaccurateandconstantoverthecroprsquoslifeThisistheessentialfeature
ofadrippertoafarmer
AdripperisadripperisadripperNotreallyWeknowinrealitythatthereisavastdifferencein
drippersandspecificallydripperqualitysometimesforgoodreasonsandothertimesnotAgood
qualitydrippermaybedefinedasonethatemitsapredeterminedflowratethatisaccurateand
constantoveritsintendedlife
Featuresthatcontributetokeepingadrippercleanandworkingareessentiallythosethatcontribute
tothedripperrsquosqualityThemainstructuralfeaturessuchasthefiltrationareathelabyrinthdepth
widthandlengtharecommontoalldrippersTheseareallmeasurableOtherfeaturessuchas
anti‐rootintrusionandanti‐siphondevicesareuniquetoaspecificdripperandtheyarenot
measurable
Figure1Thefilterattheinlettoamodernboat‐shapednon‐PCdripper
Figure2Thelabyrinthofanon‐PCdripperwiththeexitlsquobathrsquototheleftwhereaholewouldbe
madethroughthedripperlinewallforthedroplettoexittheirrigationsystem
Figure 1 The filter at the inlet to a modern boat-shaped non-PC dripper Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where a hole would be made through the dripperline wall for the droplet to exit the irrigation system
Figure 2 The labyrinth of a non-PC dripper with the exit lsquobathrsquo to the left where the droplet exits the irrigation system
34 THINK TANK | April 2021
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
How much does quality reliability and peace-of-mind mean to you Europress Press-fit is a fast easy and risk-free piping system manufactured in Europe
The quality aesthetic appearance means you get a tidy finish with one installer saying he wished he ldquohad installed on the side of the wall exposed to the customershellipthe system was artrdquo
Speedy and easy installation when using Europress results in reduced installation time generating project savings of up to 30 benefiting both the installer and the end user
Satisfied Pump Shed Installer for water supply ldquoEuropress stainless work in the shed took less than two days by one guyrdquo ndash Steve
The Europress 316L Stainless Steel pipe and standard fittings have been certified for drinking water use by
many national and international authorities
Being in compliance with the WaterMark standard Europress is installed throughout New Zealand and Australia for potable water applications Other common uses include plumbing up filtration units new pump installations dairy shed construction and many more
Other quality products from Waterworks
ELYSEE Compression Fittings are a premium product designed to produce the most reliable and durable connections in MD pipeline applications and are used daily by agricultural and industrial pipeline installers worldwide
CLIC clamps are a bracketing system gripping possibilities for the world of pipe and cable fastening
4N tapping bands have provided 40 years of solutions for the water main industry
Spears PVC and CPVC can be used for many applications such as hotcold water waste water and slurries
Knowledge experience and innovation is the foundation of the Waterworks team with more than 125 years combined industry expertise Itrsquos easy and it works
Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
Agriculture is often a very dusty affair which places high demands on both people and technology At the same time a decreasing number of workers are having to cope with increasingly shorter harvest periods and significantly larger harvest quantities
In order to meet the increased requirements for biosecurity product safety and workplace safety very good hygiene management and the right cleaning solutions are required
A dust-free workplace ensures higher motivation and fewer sick days for employees while preventing damage to machines Furthermore plant and animal pest life finds it more difficult if not impossible to take root
The golden rule is Do not allow dust to develop and remove unavoidable dirt from the process chain as early and comprehensively as possible
Dust in the post-harvest process for field vegetablesAnyone who harvests potatoes and onions knows how many tonnes of soil reach the farm where it is ground to dust during sorting redistributing bagging and packing
Vehicle traffic on the farm also plays its part in spreading the fine particles A broom can partially remove the dust but above all it kicks it up and
the dust then drifts onto machines worktables and shelves higher beams and into the roof truss
The more dust that moves upwards the more likely it is to become a hazard source Mould and mycotoxins may develop in places that cannot be seen under the influence of humidity Pests may even nest This problem can only be counteracted by keeping an eye on hygiene requirements and using the appropriate cleaning technology
If vacuum cleaners andor vacuum sweepers are used on a daily basis the particles can be easily collected and brought back to where they belong ndash on the farmland
If wet and dry vacuum cleaners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system even large quantities of dust can be effectively and seamlessly removed The multifunctional machines can also be used to suck in liquids and easily remove dust from tractor cabs storage silos shelves beams and many other objects
Minimising particles in all process stepsDust in grain cultivation is unavoidable ndash and eliminating it from harvest through transport storage and delivery to the mill is a challenge However only consistently removing
fine particles throughout all production steps can help to protect employee health especially regarding lung diseases to maintain the harvested crop quality throughout the entire storage period and to protect buildings and machinery
Repairing a combine harvester is often far more costly than investing in cleaning technology which can prevent damage caused by dust
But which solutions are recommended The frequently used compressor solutions remove dust from surfaces but at the same time release it into the environment and cause a very high load for the user
With a wet and dry vacuum cleaner the particles are effectively removed and not spread further so that the essential components of a combine harvester for example can be cleaned well A high-pressure cleaner can be used for parts that do not need to be kept dry such as the cutterbar
Thorough cleaning of storage areas and silos prior to storage prevents pests spreading from the old harvest to the new harvest Furthermore nests with secondary growth or mould can be removed This creates the necessary conditions for storing grain for a year or longer
KARCHER TALKS
Dust control in agriculture
36 THINK TANK | April 2021
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
IO(RCHER
WE ALL NEED TO CLEAN EFFECTIVE FASTER BETTER See the Team at Think Water for your commercial equipment cleaning needs
A suitable vacuum cleaner with an extension hose ensures that the dust is not kicked up but is absorbed by walls and other surfaces The floors can be efficiently cleaned with sweepers or a large vacuum cleaner with a wide nozzle
Powerful machines also help to remove dust that is kicked up when storing grain via a grain pit
Depending on the site stationary extraction systems have to be installed with parameters that can be derived from the respective country-specific specifications If no extraction system is in use the complete conveyor system all the transport routes and the machines used in the warehouse should be extracted regularly in order to significantly reduce the dust load for employees
Furthermore regular cleaning has the advantage that any remaining grain residue in the conveyor system are removed before it starts to sprout or mould spreads
Every detail is importantWith the reduction in medications given to animals especially antibiotics hygienically flawless feed is more than ever an essential basis for successful animal husbandry
If grain and other ingredients such as protein or mineral feed come out of storage all sources of contamination must be eliminated during processing Only thorough work can prevent rodents other pests mould and mycotoxins from endangering animal health
Therefore dust and impurities have to be regularly removed not only in the silos but also at the gristmill and at the feed mixer Wet and dry vacuum cleaners as well as sweepers or vacuum sweepers are very well suited for this work
Particular attention is paid to outdoor silos whose contents are exposed to daily temperature fluctuations and thus to the formation of condensation water A check before each filling and at least one annual deep cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner and hot water should be performed as standard
Itrsquos a proven fact If hygiene is consistently taken seriously the farm manager only stands to profit Healthy employees are motivated healthy animals achieve high animal performances the veterinary costs are reduced and the company reputation is impeccable
37April 2021 | THINK TANK
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
Congratulations to our fastest growing stores in Preferred
Supplier products Measured period August 2020 to February 2021
Think Water teams are educated and always learning Congratulations to these teams on their ongoing professional development Total courses completed as at 31 March 2021
Congratulations to our Members with the highest growth in followers on Facebook and Instagram Total followers as at 31 March 2021
Stores must be operating for the full period measured from the previous year Subscribes to NSO Social Media Services
As at 31 March 2021
1 CALLIDE VALLEY2 HAWKES BAY3 DURAL4 MAREEBA5 MILDURA
6 DARWIN7 CANTERBURY8 ALICE SPRINGS9 SWAN HILL10 MELBOURNE
1 WEST COAST2 HAWKErsquoS BAY3 TAUPO4 SMITHTON5 MAREEBA
6 GISBORNE7 NEW PLYMOUTH8 ADELAIDE9 MANAWATU10 DARWIN
1 DARWIN2 BROOME3 CALLIDE VALLEY4 HAWKES BAY5 CAIRNS6 LEETON7 MAREEBA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 MANAWATU10 ADELAIDE
1 ADELAIDE2 MILDURA3 HAWKES BAY4 BROOME5 DURAL6 MARLBOROUGH7 NOOSA8 ALICE SPRINGS9 DARWIN10 WEST COAST
PERFORMANCEPREFERRED SUPPLIER SALES LEADER BOARD
SOCIAL MEDIAFOLLOWER LEADER BOARD
DIGITAL HUB LEADER BOARD
HIGH
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
3686
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
22659
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
515
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
7426
FOLLOWERS ACROSS TW GROUP
178
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
1371
NATIONAL PROFILE
FOLLOWERS
14917 EMAIL DATABASESUBSCRIBERS
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3
THINK WATER THINK SampT VALVES
0800 426 000 steelandtubeconz
SampT are the valve specialists we have the range to suit whatever your project and an experienced team to recommend the right products and solutions Contact us today to discuss all your valve requirements
Manufacturer of ldquoThe Safest Tanks and Trailersrdquo
Your Partner in Refuelling Slip-On Water Cartage Units The Ultimate Water Cart
1800 816 277salestticomau
AquaPathtradeDieselCaptaintrade FirePatroltrade
ldquoAs admirer of high quality businesses I think TTi is up there with the best The quality of the product is very high with obvious points of difference
Ultimately it makes it very easy for us to sell amp the end user to buyrdquo
Adam Stockwell Managing Director Think Water Darwinwwwunitedfastenerscomau
FASTENERS amp FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS TOOLS I SAFETY I MATERIALS HANDLING I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE
AUSTRALIArsquoS LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR OF FASTENING PRODUCTS amp INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
THE THINK WATER DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
rainharvestingcomauCall our team at 07 3248 9600
Cleaner water Lots of it
WMTS-014WM-032110
Superior Performance
For use on potable waterNon-toxic inaccordance withNSF Standard 61
RectorSeal the logos and other trademarks are property of RectorSeal LLC its affiliates or its licensors and are protected by copyright trademark and other intellectual property laws and may not be used without permission RectorSeal reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice copy 2020 RectorSeal All rights reserved R50714-0820
RectorSeal Australia Pty Ltd bull PO Box 5092 bull Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 07 3267 7277 bull rectorsealcomau
Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
- Why is it important to have a good organisational structure
- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
- Welcome to the team Mark Allan
- Could this be the UpdateYour Business Needs
- Finding the golden ticket for your marketing
- Who we are is how we work
- Introducing the new owners of Think Water Hastings
- Making the most of lifes essential resource with Pentair
- The All-in-One Rainwater Filtration Solution
- Crusader Hose commits to the Irrigation Industry
- Enjoy consistent water pressure with DynaDrive now supplied as Daisy Chain
- Brand Evolution
- Worldrsquos First Insect Resistant Drip Tape
- Tempustm DC Kits
-
- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
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Congratulations on opening your third Think Water location Cheryl and Phillip
The new store will open on 15 April 2021 and will be located on the main street of Whangamata (75km south of Whitianga) Cheryl describes the town as Whitianga 10 years ago
This is an exciting business venture for the couple and we wish them the very best of success
Congratulations Cheryl amp Phillip
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEARCH FOR THINK WATER ON Google | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube
- Letrsquos get digital
- Success for the Think Water Academy
- Welcome to the Family
- Gold in Data
- A Holistic Training Solution
- Upgrading to Increase Effeciency Within Our Business
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- Steps to setting up an online mentoring program in your business
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- All The Right Parts In One Great Value Bundle
-
- Time and Money Saving Valve Solutions
- HR PRODUCTS TALKSPattern Approved Water Meters
- NETAFIM TALKSDripper Comparison
- Europress brings market leading innovation and quality
- KARCHER TALKSDust control in agriculture
-
- Button 3